Man Utd fans could hardly be blamed for suffering flashbacks while watching Antony struggle. But he’s adapting to United while they are to Erik ten Hag. Trust the manager…
“He can do better,” said Erik ten Hag this week of Antony. Which is certainly one of the more positive verdicts on the Brazilian’s start to life at Manchester United.
Indeed, at times it has been hard for United supporters to watch Antony and not suffer flashbacks to another South American winger who arrived for massive money. “Talented but a complete fanny,” is how Angel Di Maria was described by one unnamed former team-mate at Old Trafford. And while Antony appears to be rather more driven to succeed at United than the pea-hearted Argentinian, there have been echoes of Di Maria in the new boy’s performances.
As a left-footed player – a very, very left-footed player – coming off the right flank, Antony has so far struggled to carry out many of the basic duties expected of a top-level winger, never mind the 13th most expensive player in history. His output in simple terms: five goals – none in the Premier League for three and a half months – and no assists in 20 games.
Anecdotally, the 22-year-old has struggled to beat a defender, which is hardly surprising if there’s any truth in the criticisms that he’s got little pace and a steadfast unwillingness to use his right foot for anything other than pivoting on. One of the most disturbing aspects of United’s defeat at Arsenal was the sight of Thomas Partey chasing Antony down with ease as the winger wasted a chance to break clear on goal, instead coming back inside on to his left foot and into the retreating midfielder’s path. Defensively, he looks even slower.
If all that were true, United could not get Jadon Sancho healthy and happy quickly enough. Or perhaps plans to loan out Facundo Pellistri might have to be shelved while Antony struggles. But United don’t appear flustered.
Of course, United can’t simply write off the Brazilian, even if they were minded to. Which Erik ten Hag obviously is not. And given his achievements so far in refloating United’s sinking ship, the manager deserves to be trusted with this individual project. Just as Antony warrants a little patience.
Dalot and Wan-Bissaka have their strengths, but I think Antony would really benefit from having an elite right-back behind him – like Mazraoui was at Ajax.
Mazraoui and Antony were the most 🔥🔥🔥 footballing duo…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…