Manchester United’s transfer business rarely paid dividends during Erik ten Hag’s tenure as most of the Dutchman’s big-money signings failed to shine upon their arrival.
The biggest disappointment has been Antony, who the club paid £86 million for back in 2022. The Brazilian was supposed to end United’s right-wing problems but has managed only 12 goals in two-and-a-half seasons in Manchester.
A decent debut campaign in which the Brazil international netted eight times was followed by a dismal previous campaign where he managed only three goals with his off-field problems creating more headlines.
And following Ten Hag’s sacking, it is expected that the 24-year-old will be moved on with Ruben Amorim having a different way of playing.
Antony was close to Liverpool move
In the Portuguese’s first session, the former Ajax star was played as the right wing-back, a role he is not accustomed to and the Brazilian might seek an exit this January if his minutes do not improve.
However, things could have turned out way different if The Times are to be believed. They have claimed that ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was a huge admirer of the Brazil international.
In fact, he had urged the Merseyside outfit to acquire Antony’s signature as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, a move that Mike Gordon, Fenway Sports Group’s president, ultimately turned down.
“It is understood that it was Mike Gordon, Fenway Sports Group’s president and responsible for the day to day running of the club back then, who ultimately decided renewing (Salah’s contract) was the sensible use of resources.
Future up in the air
“That has proved astute, especially as one of the options understood to have been discussed by Jürgen Klopp was to replace Salah with Antony.
“The Brazilian would instead move to Manchester United for £82 million that same summer and has had 17 goal involvements (12 goals, five assists) in 87 appearances since. At a different club under a different manager, those figures might have been better but Salah-esque they are patently not.”
Both Klopp and Ten Hag seemed to think Antony would be the perfect fit for the Premier League but the move to Old Trafford has clearly not worked out.
His only shot at redemption is trying to impress at right wing-back or else the 20-time English league champions will have to incur a huge loss on their initial investment.
Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
