Antony’s transfer from Ajax to Manchester United in the summer of 2022 came with a hefty price tag, but he has yet to justify the significant investment. While Ten Hag has acknowledged the Brazilian’s struggles, he has distanced himself from any responsibility for the club’s decision to spend so much on him, maintaining that Antony still has the potential to succeed at Old Trafford.
In an interview with AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag stated, “I don’t go over the budget. I’ve never even had a budget. At United, the budgets lie with the owners and management. He [Antony] certainly showed that potential in the first month: he scored three times in his first three games. After that it became more difficult, last season was not good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club.”
Despite having made 82 appearances for Manchester United, Antony has only netted eight goals, with critics often questioning his pace and end product. However, Ten Hag’s remarks indicate that Antony will have another opportunity to prove his worth amid ongoing summer transfer speculations.
Antony has already begun pre-season training with Manchester United and will travel to the United States for matches against Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool. The team will then prepare for the Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 10, ahead of their Premier League opener against Fulham six days later.