Former England international Joe Cole has raised concerns about the future of Brazilian winger Antony at Manchester United, suggesting that the 24-year-old could be on his way out of Old Trafford soon. Cole believes that Antony, who was signed from Ajax for a hefty £82 million fee, has not been able to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Despite his obvious technical skill and flair, Antony has struggled to assert himself in England’s top flight, and Cole feels this could ultimately lead to his departure from Manchester United in the near future.
Antony’s challenges at United have been magnified this season, where his appearances have been sparse. His only league outing came as a late substitute in United’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton, a performance that did little to help his cause. The Brazilian winger, who was expected to shine after his big-money move from Ajax, has now fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag. Players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and even Amad Diallo have leapfrogged him in the squad hierarchy, leaving Antony on the fringes of the first team.
Joe Cole’s remarks highlight Antony’s struggle with the more robust and physically demanding nature of the Premier League, a significant shift from the less intense Dutch Eredivisie, where Antony previously thrived. “The problem with Antony at Manchester United is that he’s perfect for the Dutch league,” Cole said in his interview with Paddy Power. According to Cole, the winger’s game is well-suited to a league where pace and technical ability often take precedence over physicality. However, the Premier League’s high-octane pace and physical challenges seem to have unsettled Antony, limiting his effectiveness and overall contribution to the team.
Despite his struggles, Antony has had brief moments of success this season, such as his performance in Manchester United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup demolition of Barnsley, where he scored a penalty. However, such flashes of brilliance have not translated into consistent starting opportunities for the winger, and Cole remains doubtful that Antony can turn things around. Even when Manchester United faced challenges in matches like their recent 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, Antony was left on the bench, an indication that Ten Hag may no longer see him as a first-choice option.
Cole also pointed out that Antony’s omission from key fixtures, such as United’s Community Shield loss to Manchester City and their opening day defeat to Fulham, further highlights his uncertain standing within the squad. The Brazilian winger’s absence from such important matches signals that he is no longer considered an essential part of Ten Hag’s plans moving forward.
What makes Antony’s situation even more pressing is that the player himself might be contemplating a future away from Manchester United. Joe Cole speculated that Antony is “playing with a move away from the club in mind,” suggesting that the winger may already be looking for opportunities elsewhere. Cole believes that, despite his young age and the fact that he should be entering his prime in the coming years, Antony is better suited to other leagues where his style of play would be more effective. The Premier League, known for its intensity and physical demands, may not be the best environment for Antony to flourish.
As Antony faces an uncertain future at Manchester United, it seems increasingly likely that both the player and the club could be preparing for a parting of ways. Joe Cole’s comments reflect the growing sentiment that Antony’s time at Old Trafford is nearing its end. Though he remains a talented and technically gifted player, Antony’s inability to adapt to the unique challenges of the Premier League could mean that a move to another European league, where the style of play is more aligned with his strengths, might be the best option for his career going forward.
Ultimately, whether or not Antony stays at Manchester United, one thing is clear—his time at the club has not lived up to expectations. With other players stepping up and taking their chances, Antony has found himself increasingly sidelined, and unless he can find a way to adapt to the Premier League, his future at United will rem
ain in doubt.