Erik ten Hag has reaffirmed his faith in Antony amid a woeful sophomore season for the Manchester United attacker.
The Brazilian entered the 2023/2024 campaign as one of Ten Hag’s most trusted lieutenants – a year on from the manager personally pushing to reunite with his former Ajax prodigy and forking out £86 million to acquire his services from the Eredivisie club.
It appears as though his patience slowly began wearing thin over the Christmas period though, as Antony’s last Premier League start came in United’s final match of 2023 against Nottingham Forest.
This calendar year, the winger has featured for just 22 minutes across four off-the-bench cameos and was an unused substitute for two consecutive matches against Aston Villa and Luton Town. He is still yet to register a single goal contribution in the top flight this term after 20 appearances.
Antony, 24, may be included on the teamsheet for Wednesday’s FA cup tie given that he started against Newport County in the fourth round, but you’d struggle to find a supporter that would like to see him named in Sunday’s starting 11 for the Manchester derby. Perhaps those on the blue side of the rivalry.
Ten Hag backs Antony to succeed
Speaking in today’s press conference, Ten Hag spoke highly of the out-of-favour player, claiming (via Manchester Evening News): “I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities and he has great abilities.
“When he plays like I know from the past he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards.
“When he plays that game he will perform. I’m sure he will do for the future, I’m sure he is resilient, he is a character and he will fight back and I back him. He now has to wait for his chance and once he is there he has to pick up.”
A report from the Daily Mail on Monday suggests that United will listen to offers for Antony, who is their second most expensive signing ever, in the summer window.
