Jaap Stam doesn’t think Antony is of the required standard for Manchester United which isn’t something you want to be hearing about a £82million signing.
With the pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag, we are seeing more people question the manager’s signings. It’s very much a reoccurring theme at United over the past 10 years – under several managers.
Stam spoke on the Stick to Football podcast about Erik ten Hag’s situation at Old Trafford and the former defender wasn’t very complimentary of United winger Antony.
The Brazil international has failed to make a consistent impression at United since his 2022 transfer from Ajax.
Stam said: “Antony is not, I don’t think, from what I have seen from him. He is not good enough for this level we are looking for at United.
“Because you are also looking for a player when he comes in he can struggle and have a difficult time, but you are still looking at a player thinking where is he making progress so he can get to a certain level.
“When you look at Antony now, at this moment, you don’t really see where he can make the progress needed to make that next step into the Premier League to be up there with the top wingers.
“In Holland he did okay, it wasn’t like he was the best player in Holland, he did okay for Ajax but they are playing in a league with a couple of good players and the rest of the teams are, with all due respect, mediocre players so they are always dominating and he can always do his trickery and always put crosses in or make a one two.”
The biggest problem with Antony is he doesn’t provide enough end product and we saw that again last night in the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Antony was an expensive signing and I feel he warrants criticism. Ten Hag will say he’s still young, disciplined enough to take instructions, but we need our wingers chipping in with goals and assists. The Brazilian is not doing that.
Let us know your thoughts on Antony in the comment section.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
