Simon Jordan has criticized Manchester United winger Antony in a scathing tirade, labeling the club’s second most expensive signing a “waste of money.”
The Brazilian joined Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022 with much excitement, but that enthusiasm faded quickly. He managed only eight goals in 45 appearances during his first season, with fans frequently criticizing his decision-making, especially as he scored just one league goal after his initial three matches.
The situation worsened in his second season, where he scored just three times in 38 games, contributing to United’s disappointing eighth-place finish. Following limited playtime in the current season, Jordan shared his views on the 24-year-old with TalkSport listeners.
“There’s always pressure and expectation when you spend a lot on players; you naturally expect big results,” he stated. “A £25m player failing doesn’t attract as much attention, but in Antony’s case, even at that price, he would still be considered a poor buy due to his overall performance. What has he brought to Manchester United besides headlines? Certainly nothing on the pitch. At £25m, you’d call it a waste; at £85m, you have to question the manager’s decision to sign him, especially knowing him well.”
Antony recently had his best performance of the season, albeit in his only start, playing the full 90 minutes in a 7-0 EFL Cup victory against Barnsley. He scored a penalty to double United’s lead in a match that featured eight changes from their previous 3-0 win over Southampton.
To secure his place, Antony will need to consistently replicate such performances, as he currently trails Amad Diallo in the pecking order on the right wing. The former Ajax player is now surrounded by familiar faces after Erik Ten Hag, who managed him at both clubs, brought in reinforcements from the Dutch side, including André Onana and Lisandro Martinez.
Recent reports suggested that the summer signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, also formerly of Ajax, was influenced by the potential chemistry with Antony on the right flank.
Antony was one of the most significant signings in United’s history, but he isn’t alone in not meeting expectations. The club’s record signings reflect their recent transfer struggles. Paul Pogba joined in 2016 for a world-record fee of £89m but failed to fulfill expectations, leading to an uncertain final three years with the club. Harry Maguire, bought for £80m from Leicester in 2019, and Jadon Sancho, who transferred from Borussia Dortmund for £73m two years later, also fall into this category.
