Antony is out of form due to off-field problems, coach is clear

Brazilian winger Antony (23) arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022. The Sao Paulo-born winger made his way to the Premier League thanks to his involvement with Ajax. It was here that he met Erik ten Hag, the current United coach. However, Antony has not been successful in the Red Devils’ jersey so far. Why?

According to Transfermarkt, Antony moved to Manchester United for 95 million euros. But the Brazilian has certainly not lived up to expectations so far. He hasn’t registered a goal or an assist this Premier League season.

Yet at Ajax, the 23-year-old was considered a star player. He scored 24 goals in 82 games for the Dutch big club, and assisted his teammates on another 22 goals.

Things weren’t so bad in Manchester at first either. But why has there been such a marked decline in performance? Erik ten Hag blames the problems Antony has had off the pitch.

“They definitely had an effect on him, so he has to deal with it. He brought them on himself, so he has to deal with it. We will give him all the support, but he has to improve,” the Dutch coach believes.

Police investigated the Brazilian after three women accused him of domestic violence. Antony denies the allegations unequivocally. As a result of the incident, the Brazilian was given a leave of absence by United during which he was supposed to sort out his problems.

He did not train with the team from 10 to 29 September. “Since he was out and then came back, he hasn’t given the performances we should expect from him and he has the potential for much more,” continues ten Hag.

“His quality at Ajax was very high and he could return to that level. The Premier League is more difficult, but he is capable of it.”

Antony isn’t the only one Erik ten Hag has commented on

Jadon Sancho is a similar case. The latter was in trouble for failing to turn up to training without an excuse. Unlike the Brazilian, he was dropped from the squad because of that. Needless to say, he didn’t do too well before that either.

However, the English striker went on loan to Borussia Dormund a few days ago, from where he came to Manchester United.

“I wish him nothing but the best. I believe that he will be successful,” concludes the coach, who also managed Bayern Munich’s reserves.

Source: BBC Sport, Transfermarkt