Michael Owen has cast serious doubt on the ability of Manchester United winger Antony to make a lasting impact in the Premier League, despite the player’s undeniable natural talent. Antony, who was brought to Old Trafford for a hefty £85 million from Ajax over two years ago on the recommendation of Erik ten Hag, has yet to fulfill the high expectations that accompanied his arrival. The Brazilian has struggled to find his footing in the English top flight, leaving many, including Owen, questioning whether he possesses the qualities necessary to succeed at this level.
Since his big-money move, Antony’s performances have been inconsistent at best. While he did manage to score his first goal of the season during Manchester United’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup last week, his contributions in the Premier League have been minimal. So far this season, he has been on the pitch for just one minute in league action. This limited playing time reflects manager Erik ten Hag’s belief that Antony must “earn the right” to be a regular part of the squad, a challenge that the 24-year-old has yet to fully meet.
Owen’s concerns about Antony go beyond just his lack of playing time. The former England striker has pointed out that while Antony is clearly a skilled player, his attributes may not be ideally suited for the Premier League’s intense physicality and pace. Owen argues that Antony lacks the necessary speed and explosiveness to consistently outmaneuver defenders in England’s top division. He notes that while the winger may have shone in the Eredivisie, where the style of play is different, the Premier League presents a much tougher challenge that Antony has not yet adapted to.
Rumors had circulated that Antony was considering a loan move away from Manchester United during the final days of the summer transfer window, a move that might have allowed him to regain confidence and form in a different environment. However, the Brazilian chose to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place, determined to prove his worth. Despite this decision, Owen remains skeptical. He suggests that a fresh start elsewhere, or even a change in management at United, might be what Antony needs to rediscover the form that made him a standout at Ajax.
Owen’s remarks also touch on a broader issue within the current Manchester United squad, where several recent signings have struggled to live up to their potential. He points out that it’s difficult for any player to shine in a team that has faced so many challenges over the past five to ten years. While Owen stops short of writing off Antony completely, he admits that if the winger were to start in an upcoming match, he wouldn’t be particularly excited, indicating a lack of confidence in the Brazilian’s ability to make a significant impact.
As Manchester United find themselves languishing in 11th place in the Premier League after five matches, the pressure on players like Antony to perform is only increasing. The Red Devils are set to face FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday night, followed by a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham at home next weekend. These fixtures represent key opportunities for Antony to prove his critics wrong and demonstrate that he can, indeed, be a valuable asset for Manchester United. However, as Owen suggests, the jury is still out on whether Antony can truly justify the substantial investment the club made in him. The coming weeks will be critical in determining his future at Old Trafford and whether he can finally rise to the challenge of the Premie
r League.