According to Erik ten Hag, Antony has become “impatient” due to limited playing time at Manchester United.
He has appeared only once this season, as a substitute in the 89th minute during the match against Brighton on August 25. Antony was expected to feature in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, but Matthijs de Ligt had to leave due to cramp, and Casemiro came on in his place.
Last season, Antony played in 21 of United’s 52 matches, and he was not included in any of their five pre-season games. Other wingers like Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford have all scored this season, and Ten Hag could not promise Antony a start against League One Barnsley in the League Cup third round on Tuesday night.
Antony is the second most expensive player at United after Paul Pogba. The club bought him from Ajax for an initial fee of £81.3 million during the 2022 transfer window, but he has scored only 11 goals in 83 appearances.
Garnacho joined Atletico Madrid in 2020, and Amad, considered a young talent, was signed from Atalanta for £19 million shortly after.
When asked if Antony was struggling due to competition from younger wingers, Ten Hag responded, “This is professional football, high-level football. These are the realities. Players must fight for their positions. You select the starting XI based on the best dynamism and chemistry. We have two excellent options, and we are pleased with that.
“Two players have developed within the group and the squad. Now, it is Antony’s turn to return to form, and he has the skills to do so. When he makes the right choices, he can compete with them.
Ten Hag further explained Antony’s current situation, saying, “The other players are performing well and contributing significantly. We have Amad and Garnacho—both very effective. Rashford has been scoring recently.
“He needs to show his worth in training and improve to overcome his competition. Naturally, he is impatient and eager to play and compete for his place.”
