Former England player Joe Cole has expressed concerns about Brazilian winger Antony’s future at Manchester United, suggesting that his time at Old Trafford may be nearing its end. Cole believes that Antony is struggling to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, a factor that could push the 24-year-old toward a potential exit from the club.
Despite being a high-profile £82 million signing from Ajax, Antony has yet to solidify his place in the United squad. Now in his third season at Old Trafford, he has only made a brief appearance in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench in United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month. His lack of impact on the field has seen him fall down the pecking order, with players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Amad now ahead of him in Erik ten Hag’s selection choices. As a result, Antony has increasingly become a fringe figure within the squad.
Cole commented on Antony’s struggles, pointing out that while the Brazilian winger possesses undeniable talent and technical ability, his game is better suited to the Dutch league, where the physical demands are less intense compared to the Premier League. Antony has found it difficult to cope with the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of English football, leading to his diminished role at Manchester United. The winger hasn’t featured in the team’s last three Premier League matches, even when the side struggled in their goalless draw against Crystal Palace.
While Antony showed some flashes of brilliance in United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley, where he scored a penalty, Joe Cole remains skeptical about his ability to make a significant impact this season. Cole’s doubts extend beyond Antony’s current form, as he believes the winger may already be considering a move away from the club. The former Chelsea midfielder stated that Antony’s lack of regular playing time, coupled with his struggles in adjusting to the Premier League, could mean that Manchester United will soon part ways with the Brazilian.
Antony’s absence from key matches, such as the Community Shield loss to Manchester City and the opening day defeat to Fulham, only adds to the speculation surrounding his future. Joe Cole’s analysis suggests that the winger, despite being in the early stages of his career, might find greater success in leagues that suit his playing style better than the Premier League. As Antony enters what should be the prime years of his career, Cole believes that a move to a league with less physicality might be the best option for him to rediscover his form and make the most of his talents.
Ultimately, Antony’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, and Cole’s comments reflect the growing doubts about whether the Brazilian winger can turn things around. His performances so far have not lived up to the expectations set by his hefty price tag, and if things don’t improve, a move away from Old Trafford may be on the horizon. As Antony faces the pressure to succeed in the Premier League, his next steps will likely determine the trajectory of his career.