Antony is conscious of the fact he has underperformed since moving to Manchester United.
Last season, the Brazilian winger registered just three goals and two assists for the Reds.
We learned from a new interview that Antony has started to jot down objectives on paper – goal participation, assists, where he can improve, how many shots he should register, dribble, and pass completions.
It’s one thing to say or to jot issues down, but we know from previous players that producing the goods can be a different story.
“I definitely need more goal participations and to score more goals,” Antony said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “It’s something I demand from myself.
“Rest assured, you’ll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists.”
The pressure is on Antony because he cost so much money and we’ve seen little end product. This is his make-or-break season unless United receive a decent offer for his signature between now and deadline day.
“I’m someone who demands a lot from myself,” Antony continued. “I was obviously not satisfied with my season but a lot happened over the year in my personal life. Like it or not, everything I went through had an effect on the pitch.
“As I’ve said before, that’s behind me now and now it’s a new season. I’ve got a strong mentality and I’m focused on what I want, I know that this season will be totally different.
“Everything I went through was very difficult for me and all my family. I’ve learnt from it all, I’ve grown and matured. I believe I learnt a lot from the adversity. I learn from everything I go through and learn that everything is possible when you persist in achieving what you want.
“That’s why I said I put the past behind me, what I went through last season. There were good moments as well, winning a trophy in a United shirt is really important. I matured and grew from it all and this will make me stronger going into this new season.
“As I said – new season, new mindset I’m a lot more focussed and prepared to achieve great things. I feel a lot less burdened and more prepared as well. I’m a lot more focused, and as you said, a lot freer to do what I genuinely know how to do. I’m 100 per cent prepared and focused to help United.”
The Brazil international also spoke about being happy to play with great players at United. He singled out Jadon Sancho before referring to Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho.
“I’m happy to be playing with such great players and competing with them, it shows that United work with high-level players. Jadon Sancho, another top player is back as well, he’s coming from a Champions League final.
“For me, playing with and competing with these players is really important, it helps me to develop further. It’s healthy competition, everyone respects each other. When Amad, (Alejandro) Garnacho or Jadon score we’ll all celebrate together as helping United win is what drives us.
“A lot happened last season. I played full back and was a little uneasy about it but that was because with the team losing or drawing you want to be in the attack to turn things around and help the team, so being moved into defence bothered me a bit, you feel annoyed in the moment during the game, but afterwards it’s all fine.”
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
Well, that’s alright then.