In Manchester United’s match against Southampton, Erik ten Hag’s transfer strategy was put on full display. A striking 80% of the defensive lineup, including the goalkeeper, were players that had previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax. This reliance on familiar faces was not without reason. One of the former Ajax stars stepped up to save a crucial penalty, another contributed to the scoresheet, and Lisandro Martinez, widely regarded as a top signing, showcased his brilliance once again. His performances have been consistently strong, and this match was no exception. Amid the criticisms Ten Hag has faced, this game underscored the positive outcomes of his transfer policies, illustrating the importance of squad cohesion and familiarity.
Ten Hag has previously addressed the focus on signing players with whom he has shared a history. He insists that it is not part of a calculated scheme to simply reunite with former players. In an interview in August, he clarified his position by stating, “Ultimately, these decisions are made by the club, and they must also fit within our financial constraints.” His comments reflect a broader understanding of the club’s needs beyond personal preferences. Despite this, there has been a clear continuation of the trend, with other former Ajax players like Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui being linked or signed by the club. However, the justification for some transfers, particularly that of Antony, has raised eyebrows, leading to debates on whether his acquisition was financially prudent.
Antony’s £85 million move to Manchester United has been far from the success the club had hoped for. Expectations were sky-high for the Brazilian winger, but after 83 appearances, he has managed only 11 goals and 5 assists. For a player who became the second-most expensive signing in Manchester United’s history, such numbers are underwhelming. To add to his struggles, his appearances this season have been limited. His most recent outing came during the match against Brighton, where he was introduced as a late substitute for Amad Diallo. Unfortunately, his presence was short-lived, as Brighton’s Joao Pedro sealed the game with a decisive goal soon after Antony’s introduction. Amad, the player Antony replaced, has been in fine form and is arguably outshining the Brazilian winger.
Amad Diallo has quietly emerged as a key figure in United’s attack, particularly during the match against Southampton. His influence was undeniable, as he was directly involved in the team’s first three significant chances. After goalkeeper Andre Onana saved a penalty, it was Matthijs de Ligt who found the back of the net. Amad also made a critical contribution by assisting Marcus Rashford’s goal, further solidifying his role as a creative force in the team. What made this performance even more impressive was the fact that Amad played the full 90 minutes, his first time doing so in a United shirt, marking a significant milestone in his career with the club.
The rise of Amad Diallo presents an interesting dilemma for Ten Hag. The young forward has already matched Antony’s goal tally from the previous Premier League season, despite having far fewer opportunities. His performances are becoming difficult to ignore, and he is now firmly pressing Ten Hag to reconsider Antony’s role in the team. Amad’s hunger to make an impact and the growing belief in his potential are driving his push for more game time. His tenacity on the field, coupled with his contributions, make a compelling case for a more prominent role in United’s lineup.
Despite the pressure mounting on Antony, there remain opportunities for him to turn things around. Ten Hag may give the Brazilian another chance to prove himself, especially in upcoming matches, such as the League Cup clash against Barnsley. This could be a pivotal moment for Antony, a chance for him to demonstrate his value and silence the growing criticisms. However, the competition for his position is fierce, with young talents like Alejandro Garnacho also vying for a spot in the starting eleven. Garnacho’s rise adds yet another layer of competition, further complicating Antony’s prospects.
Ten Hag’s handling of Antony so far suggests that there may be uncertainty regarding the Brazilian’s future at the club. While there is still time for him to find his form and regain the manager’s trust, the clock is ticking. Manchester United’s attacking options are growing, and with players like Amad and Garnacho continuing to shine, Antony must seize every opportunity if he hopes to cement his place in the team’s plans for the future. The coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether Antony can live up to his hefty price tag or if his time at Old Trafford will be marked by unfulfilled expectations.