“I think I will win the Ballon D’or one day. I was happy when they sacked Erik ten Hag. He was not playing me the right way. But I will show the fans that I am on our next match under Rúben Amorim. He is my type of coach.”-BREAKING NEWS: Antony promises Manchester United fans that he will be back to scoring under Rúben Amorim and why he has been under-performing.

Antony’s Struggles at Manchester United: A Journey from Bright Beginnings to an Uncertain Future

When Antony netted his first goal for Manchester United just 35 minutes into his debut, it felt like the perfect vindication of Erik ten Hag’s efforts to bring the talented Brazilian to Old Trafford. Arriving from Ajax in a headline-grabbing €95 million deal with €5 million in potential add-ons, Antony was seen as a key solution to United’s struggles on the wings, particularly after Jadon Sancho’s lackluster first season.

His debut strike, which opened the scoring in a 3-1 victory over Arsenal, was followed by additional goals against Manchester City and Everton in the Premier League. With three goals in his first six appearances, the early signs were promising. Fans believed United had made a strategic investment in a young player adapting to a new league and environment. The sense of optimism was palpable, and patience seemed to be the watchword as the team looked to integrate the new recruit fully.

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A Bright Start Gives Way to Disappointment

However, the excitement surrounding Antony’s early performances has gradually faded. Since his memorable debut season, his contributions have significantly dwindled. In two years, he has scored just nine goals in 81 appearances for Manchester United. This season, his only goal came via a penalty in a 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over lower-tier Barnsley.

Antony’s debut season, which saw him tally eight goals across all competitions, initially bought him time as fans hoped he would adjust and thrive. Yet, his inability to build on that start has eroded much of the goodwill he enjoyed. With limited contributions and inconsistent performances, the once highly anticipated signing has fallen to the fringes of the squad. His current position, seemingly last in line for wide attacking roles, starkly contrasts with the lofty expectations surrounding his arrival.

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A Controversial Transfer

Antony’s move to Manchester United was far from straightforward. In the summer of 2022, the winger made headlines by forcing his way out of Ajax. He refused to play in a 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, citing a lack of focus due to the ongoing transfer negotiations. A week later, he was left out of the squad for a match against FC Utrecht as tensions escalated.

Ajax’s then-manager, Alfred Schreuder, openly criticized Antony for his actions, suggesting the player had prioritized financial gain over loyalty to the club. “Nowadays, it’s all about money, which I find truly unfortunate,” Schreuder remarked. Despite the drama, the deal went through, and Manchester United fans were eager to see the Brazilian inject flair and creativity into their team’s attack.

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Decline in Form and Uncertain Prospects

Unfortunately for Antony, his performances in a Manchester United shirt have failed to meet expectations. His reliance on a limited skill set, coupled with his struggles to adapt to the Premier League’s demands, has left him sidelined. Even under Ten Hag—a manager who had championed him at Ajax—he has been unable to consistently impress.

The arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim has introduced fresh tactics and perspectives to the team, potentially offering Antony a chance to reset. Yet, he remains out of favor, and his lack of meaningful contributions this season underscores the challenges he faces. Time is running out for the Brazilian winger to prove his worth and salvage his place at the club. Failure to adapt and improve could spell an early end to his Manchester United career.

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From Potential Star to Costly Mistake?

Antony’s story risks becoming a cautionary tale in Manchester United’s transfer history. Once heralded as a cornerstone of the club’s rebuild, he now teeters on the edge of being remembered as another expensive misstep. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent criticism of United’s past “reckless spending” only amplifies the scrutiny surrounding Antony’s hefty transfer fee.

For Antony, the path forward is clear but challenging. He must rediscover the form and confidence that made him one of Ajax’s brightest talents. Failing to do so could see him become an example of the pitfalls of modern football’s big-money transfers—a player with potential who fell victim to the weight of expectations and the relentless pressure of the Premier League.

The coming months will be pivotal. Antony needs to adapt, evolve, and deliver, or risk seeing his time at Manchester United come to an untimely and disappointing conclusion.