As Manchester United prepare for another shake-up in leadership, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is expected to step into the Old Trafford hot seat on a permanent basis. This comes in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s departure following a disappointing start to the season that has seen United struggle domestically and in Europe. With only three wins in their first nine Premier League matches, United find themselves languishing in 14th place—a concerning position for a club with such high expectations. Meanwhile, they have yet to secure a victory in the Europa League, drawing their opening three matches, though a recent win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final offered a rare bright spot.
As Amorim looks to begin a new era at United, many questions arise about how he will reshape the squad, particularly regarding key players brought in during Ten Hag’s tenure. Alex Crook, a journalist from talkSPORT, didn’t mince words when discussing one high-profile player—Brazilian winger Antony. When asked by the Daily Mail about which of Ten Hag’s signings should remain under Amorim’s leadership, Crook was unequivocal. “Sell. Every day of the week and twice on Sunday,” he declared, suggesting that Antony’s future at Old Trafford may be in jeopardy.
Antony’s journey to United began in his native Brazil, where he emerged as a promising talent with Sao Paulo. In 2020, he made a significant move to Ajax, where he first connected with Ten Hag and quickly became one of the Dutch club’s standout players. Following Ten Hag’s move to United, Antony made a high-profile transfer to join his former coach in England. The club invested £81.3 million to secure his services in 2022, and he signed a lucrative contract reportedly worth £200,000 per week, running until 2027, with an option for an additional year. The hefty price tag and salary were a testament to the high hopes United had for him.
However, Antony’s time at United has been anything but smooth, with inconsistent performances and limited impact on the pitch. This season, his form has been underwhelming, with only two Premier League appearances and a single goal in the Carabao Cup to his name. While his overall United record stands at 87 appearances with 12 goals and five assists, these numbers fall short of expectations, particularly given his transfer fee and wage.
The discussion around Antony’s future is emblematic of the challenges Amorim will face in reshaping United’s roster. With fans and pundits alike growing impatient, Amorim may have to make bold decisions, including parting ways with underperforming players, to bring United back to their former glory. Antony’s high-profile transfer, initially viewed as a key addition to Ten Hag’s squad, now hangs in the balance as the new manager assesses who will be part of United’s next chapter. Whether or not Antony can prove himself worthy of a place under Amorim remains to be seen, but with calls like Crook’s gaining traction, the pressure on the Brazilian winger to perform has never been
higher.