Manchester United winger Antony has continue to receive criticism over his performance for the Red Devils since he made his £85m move from Ajax in 2022.
Antony has now seen limited game time since the new season started with Erik ten Hag opting to play the likes of Amad, Gernacho and Rashford. However, the Brazilian made in appearance in United’s Carabao Cup win over Barnsley, scoring one of the seven goals scored by United.
Despite this, Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has weighed in on the situation, expressing his belief that Ten Hag is likely feeling the pressure of Antony’s underwhelming performances, especially given the significant financial investment made on his recommendation.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Van der Kraan said: “Erik ten Hag is praying it will still happen because, on his advice, so much money was spent on this player. It’s the usual trap that Dutch coaches fall for when they go to England, they’ve seen players in the Netherlands that have done alright.
Antony reacts during a Premier League match (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“Antony came from Brazil, joined Ajax and in Brazil, he was a big talent. He comes to the Eredivisie which is not on the same level. He thought he was a real baller in the Eredivisie. Yes, you are against the likes of Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles. You only play three or four big games in a season and yes he did light the stadium up a few times in the big games but it’s not a consistent period. Then he came to England and thought ‘Oh hang on, I’m facing really tough opponents’.”
Despite Antony’s performance during the Carabao Cup match against Barnsley, Van der Kraan believes that is simply not enough to justify the club’s massive outlay for his services.
“In the past, he would scrap a bit as well,” he said. “He was one of those Brazil street kids who would do that and he’s found out that when he meets some boys from London or Manchester or Liverpool who grew up on the streets there, they’re just as tough as him.
“If Antony’s level of playing has gone down to the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, then that is not the sort of line you want to take in your career when you move for so much money.”
Antony has got just a minute of Premier League football under his belt and Ten Hag has warned him he will have to fight for return to his lineup.
It’s left to see if he will make a return to the starting eleven on Saturday when Manchester United take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
