Erik Ten Hag has recently opened up about Antony’s growing frustrations due to his limited playing time at Manchester United this season. The Brazilian winger, once heralded as a marquee signing, has found himself on the fringes of the team, having made only a single appearance this season—a brief cameo in the 89th minute during United’s clash with Brighton on August 25.
Much was expected of Antony when he arrived at Old Trafford, but his absence in key matches has raised eyebrows. Despite speculation that he would feature prominently in United’s 3-0 victory over Southampton, Antony was once again left on the bench. When Matthijs de Ligt had to leave the field due to cramp, it was Casemiro, not Antony, who Ten Hag turned to. For Antony, this omission was another blow, underscoring his current lack of involvement in the team’s tactical plans.
Last season, Antony managed to play in 21 of United’s 52 matches, giving hope that he would play a key role going forward. However, this season has told a different story. Not only has he been overlooked in important fixtures, but Antony has also failed to start in any of United’s five pre-season games. In contrast, other wingers, such as Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, have made considerable contributions to the team. Garnacho, in particular, has caught the eye with his electric pace and fearless dribbling, while Amad continues to impress with his growth since arriving from Atalanta. Rashford’s consistency only adds to the pressure Antony now faces.
Ten Hag, when questioned about Antony’s future role in the team, admitted that he couldn’t guarantee the Brazilian a starting spot in the upcoming League Cup third-round tie against Barnsley, a lower-tier side from League One. While this might be seen as an ideal opportunity to give Antony more minutes, the Dutch manager emphasized that team selection is based on form and chemistry, and Antony simply hasn’t done enough to displace his competitors.
Antony’s situation is particularly perplexing when considering the significant investment United made to bring him in. The club spent a hefty £81.3 million to secure the winger’s services from Ajax during the 2022 transfer window, making him the second most expensive signing in United’s history, only behind Paul Pogba. However, despite the high price tag and lofty expectations, Antony has struggled to deliver. With just 11 goals in 83 appearances for the club, questions are being asked about his overall impact on the team and whether he can justify such an immense fee.
Meanwhile, younger talents like Garnacho and Amad are thriving, creating additional pressure on Antony. Garnacho, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has showcased immense potential with his daring runs and creativity, while Amad has steadily developed into a valuable asset since his move from Atalanta for an initial fee of £19 million. Their consistent contributions on the pitch are making it harder for Antony to force his way back into the starting lineup.
When asked about the competition Antony faces from younger players like Garnacho and Amad, Ten Hag didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation. “This is high-level football,” he stated, stressing that competition for spots is fierce, and only the best performers will earn a place in the team. He further explained that selecting the best lineup for each game is about finding the right balance and chemistry, and currently, other wingers are simply outperforming Antony.
Ten Hag was quick to praise the performances of Garnacho, Amad, and Rashford, pointing out that their effectiveness has been key to the team’s recent successes. “The other players are doing very well, they’re making contributions,” Ten Hag remarked. “Amad and Garnacho have been extremely effective, and Rashford scored over the weekend.” With such strong competition, Antony now faces the daunting task of proving himself in training if he wants to reclaim a more prominent role.
Despite Antony’s visible frustration, Ten Hag remains confident that the Brazilian winger has the potential to fight his way back into the team. “Now it’s Antony’s turn to come back, and he has the ability to do so,” said the United boss, expressing faith in Antony’s talent and determination. He added that when Antony makes the right decisions on the pitch, he can compete with the other wingers for a starting position.
For now, however, Antony finds himself on the outside looking in. The message from Ten Hag is clear: Antony’s path back into the first team won’t be easy, and he’ll need to outshine his rivals in training and on the pitch to regain his spot. While his impatience to play is understandable, Antony must demonstrate his worth by delivering consistent performances if he hopes to become a key figure for Manchester United once again.