Antony reflects on his challenging 2023-24 season, addressing off-field issues, his dynamic with Erik ten Hag, and his discomfort playing as a full-back.
Despite tallying three goals and two assists for Manchester United, Antony remains focused on his faith and determination rather than statistics. He recalls his childhood when his parents worked tirelessly, and he promised his mother that he would eventually be the one supporting the family. Now, he is living that dream, providing for his family and fulfilling his promise.
Antony expresses deep respect for Ten Hag, who often references his roots in their conversations. However, Antony faced a setback last season when his privileges under Ten Hag were revoked, and he was visibly unhappy playing as a left-back during a 1-0 loss to Arsenal.
There were perceptions among some teammates that Antony received preferential treatment, though he only started 21 out of 52 games in the 2023-24 season. Amad, who cost £50 million less than Antony, started ahead of him in all five of United’s pre-season friendlies. Antony was forced off the field after 23 minutes against Real Betis due to an ankle injury but recovered in time to play against Liverpool a few days later.
In the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool in March, both right-wingers scored. Amad, favored by fans for the right-wing position, cost significantly less than Antony. Antony diplomatically remarks on the importance of competing with top players like Jadon Sancho, who has returned after a Champions League final. He views this competition as an opportunity for growth and values the collective effort in helping United succeed.
Reflecting on last season, Antony admits his unease with playing full-back, as he preferred attacking roles to impact the game positively. Although he felt frustrated during games, he reconciled with the situation afterward.
Despite the ups and downs, Antony highlights his notable moments, such as his standout performance against Chelsea and a crucial 87th-minute equalizer against Liverpool. Looking ahead, he is determined to improve his right-foot skills, score more goals, and provide more assists, with clear goals outlined for the season.
