Manchester United is preparing to make a significant financial sacrifice by parting ways with Antony, one of their most expensive signings in recent years. After spending two and a half seasons with the club, the Brazilian winger’s underwhelming performances have forced the Red Devils to reconsider his future at Old Trafford. Originally brought in from Ajax for a staggering €103 million, Antony’s time in England has been far from the success story the club envisioned.
A Big Gamble That Didn’t Pay Off
The decision to pursue Antony was largely driven by manager Erik ten Hag, who had worked with the winger during his tenure at Ajax. United believed that reuniting the two would replicate the success Antony had enjoyed in the Eredivisie. At Ajax, the winger’s flair, dribbling ability, and creativity made him one of the most exciting prospects in European football, prompting Manchester United to break the bank to secure his services.
Ajax held firm on their asking price, recognizing Antony’s potential value and importance to their squad. United ultimately yielded to the Dutch club’s demands, making Antony one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. Expectations were sky-high, with the hope that he would provide the cutting edge needed to restore the Red Devils to domestic and European dominance.
However, Antony’s tenure at Old Trafford has fallen well short of expectations. Despite being given ample playing time by Ten Hag, the winger has struggled to make a meaningful impact. His contributions have been limited, with just 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances—a return that falls far below the standard expected from a marquee signing.
Struggling for Consistency
Antony’s early appearances for Manchester United showed flashes of his potential. He scored a debut goal against Arsenal in September 2022, raising hopes that he could become a key player for the team. However, as the months went on, his form dipped, and his performances became increasingly inconsistent. While the winger demonstrated occasional moments of brilliance, these were overshadowed by long spells of ineffectiveness on the pitch.
One of the biggest criticisms of Antony’s game has been his predictability. Opposing defenders have often found it easy to read his movements, as he heavily relies on cutting inside from the right flank onto his favored left foot. As a result, he has struggled to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His decision-making in the final third has also been questioned, with many of his attacks breaking down due to misplaced passes or poor choices.
The winger’s inability to adapt to the more physically demanding nature of the Premier League has also been evident. Unlike the Eredivisie, where Antony had more space and time on the ball, the English top flight requires quicker thinking and a greater level of physicality—two areas where the Brazilian has often looked out of his depth.
Competition and Waning Trust
As Antony’s struggles continued, Ten Hag began to explore other options for the right-wing position. Manchester United’s squad boasts several promising talents, including Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom have impressed when given opportunities. This season, Antony has only managed to make one start, while Diallo and Garnacho have been preferred on the right flank in key matches.
The rise of these young players has further marginalized Antony, with Ten Hag seemingly losing trust in the former Ajax star. Although the manager initially showed patience, hoping that Antony would eventually find his form, it has become clear that other players are now ahead of him in the pecking order. The reduced playing time has only added to the Brazilian’s frustrations, and his body language on the pitch has reflected a player struggling for confidence.
A Financial Blow Looms
Faced with Antony’s decline and his diminishing role within the squad, Manchester United is now prepared to cut their losses. The club, known for its ambition and desire to remain competitive in the Premier League, understands that keeping an underperforming player on the payroll is not a sustainable strategy. Reports indicate that United has placed Antony on the transfer list, signaling their intent to offload him in the upcoming transfer windows.
Despite investing heavily in the Brazilian winger, the Red Devils are willing to accept a significantly reduced fee. From the initial €103 million they paid to Ajax, Manchester United is now reportedly asking for just €48 million. This drastic drop in valuation reflects the club’s desperation to move Antony on and avoid further financial losses. While selling him at such a discounted price will undoubtedly represent a major hit, the club believes that offloading him is in the best interest of both parties.
Loan Move as an Alternative
In addition to seeking a permanent transfer, Manchester United is open to the idea of loaning Antony to another club. A loan deal could provide the winger with an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regain his form away from the pressures of Old Trafford. If he performs well during the loan spell, it could potentially increase his market value, allowing United to recoup more of their initial investment in the future.
However, finding a suitable loan destination may prove challenging. Interested clubs will need to assess whether they can afford Antony’s wages and whether he fits into their tactical plans. Additionally, the Brazilian’s struggles at United may deter some clubs from taking a gamble on him, especially given the significant financial outlay that would be required.
Lessons Learned
The Antony transfer saga serves as a cautionary tale for Manchester United and other clubs when it comes to high-profile signings. While it is understandable that clubs want to secure top talent, the risks associated with overpaying for unproven players are considerable. United’s decision to meet Ajax’s hefty asking price for Antony was driven by a combination of factors, including the player’s potential, the manager’s preferences, and the need to strengthen the squad. However, the outcome has highlighted the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making such significant financial commitments.
Moreover, the situation underscores the challenges of adapting to the Premier League, where even talented players can struggle if they fail to adjust to the demands of the competition. Manchester United has learned the hard way that success in other leagues does not always translate to success in England. As the club looks to the future, it will need to be more strategic in its transfer dealings to avoid similar pitfalls.
A New Chapter Awaits
For Antony, the prospect of leaving Manchester United represents an opportunity to reset his career. A change of environment may provide the fresh start he needs to rediscover the form that made him such a sought-after player at Ajax. Whether through a permanent transfer or a loan move, the Brazilian winger will be eager to prove his doubters wrong and show that he still has the potential to succeed at the highest level.
For Manchester United, the decision to move on from Antony is a difficult but necessary one. As the club aims to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe, it cannot afford to carry underperforming players. By cutting their losses and focusing on the development of promising talents like Garnacho and Diallo, the Red Devils are laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
Ultimately, while the Antony transfer may go down as one of the most expensive mistakes in the club’s history, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability. Both the player and the club will now look ahead to the next chapter, hoping that the lessons learned will pave the way for future success.
