Erik ten Hag has informed Manchester United’s £86 million winger, Antony, that he must prove himself worthy of a spot in the team. Ten Hag acknowledges that the Brazilian player is feeling ‘impatient’ after only making a single appearance this season as a late substitute against Brighton.
Antony, 24, is eager for his first start against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford tonight (Tuesday). However, Ten Hag stated: “We have training every day, and players need to earn their place. This is professional football, this is top-level football. These are the rules. Players must compete for their positions. You select the starting eleven who exhibit the best dynamic and chemistry.”
He added, “Naturally, he’s impatient. He wants to play and is striving to do so. He’s fighting for his spot. That’s what we expect from every player in the Manchester United squad—that they should compete.”
Since joining United from Ajax in 2022 for a hefty fee, Antony has faced a challenging career at Old Trafford. He is now the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
Ten Hag has preferred academy prospects Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo over Antony on the right wing this season, stating, “The others are performing really well, and he needs to surpass them. Amad and Garnacho have been very effective. Marcus Rashford scored over the weekend. Antony now has to bounce back and has the ability to do so. If he performs well, he can compete with them.”
Ten Hag, who won the Carabao Cup in his first season at Old Trafford, dismissed suggestions that new co-owners Ineos are focused on bigger prizes. He commented, “I wouldn’t say it’s insignificant. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup are significant. I see the attention from all teams, owners, and managers. When teams like Liverpool win trophies, and I see all teams battling for them, we want the same. In football, winning trophies is very important. There are five opportunities, and our goal is to win as many as possible.”
Antony, who was signed for £86 million two years ago, has faced criticism for his performances. Last season, he scored only three goals, including one against League Two side Newport County in the FA Cup, and made two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
The 24-year-old has also experienced personal difficulties off the pitch. He was accused of domestic abuse by three women last year, though he was neither arrested nor charged in Brazil or the UK, and he denied the allegations. A Brazilian police investigation recently concluded without charges, but the matter could still be reviewed by prosecutors.
Antony’s legal team stated, “The defense for player Antony Matheus dos Santos confirms that the police investigation by the São Paulo Civil Police has been closed without any charges. The defense has always been confident that the investigation, conducted confidentially, would prove Antony’s innocence.”
During the international break, Antony and his girlfriend Rosilene Silva celebrated their engagement, announcing it on Instagram with a series of photos, including one of Antony proposing and another of them sharing a kiss.
