For the past 10 years, there has been a perception at Manchester United that the excitement around a move is frequently greater than the player’s on-field accomplishments.

On the other hand, a player’s initial impression by the supporters frequently indicates how long they will stay with the team.

Bruno Fernandes, United States, Manchester, Newport County
It’s imperative to get off to a great start, particularly at a team like United where demands and expectations are frequently far higher than anything a new recruit has ever encountered.

So let’s look at a new signing for Erik ten Hag who made a big impression in his debut but hasn’t played well since.

Beginning of Antony’s life in Manchester

Presumably, Antony’s prospects of signing with Man United would have been considerably lower if former Ajax manager Ten Hag had never been named manager.

The Brazilian winger was stealing the show in the Eredivisie and the Champions League before his £86 million move to the Premier League. Tite, the coach of Brazil’s national team, described him as having “Neymar characteristics” because of his brilliant dribbling, skill, and incredible confidence.

Premier League antony Manchester United
Antony scored his first goal for United against Arsenal in a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford with a cool finish, and his exuberant celebration immediately cemented him as a fan favourite.

After scoring goals against Manchester City and Everton in his first three Premier League games, the winger went on to become the first player for United to do so. Wes Brown, a legend of United, even continued to say that Messi and Maradona were similar to him because of his “wand” of a left foot after he accomplished that accomplishment.

Antony’s campaign for 2023–2034

Antony continued to score five goals and provide three assists for the rest of the previous season, but his play deteriorated as the season went on.

Antony had a great preseason, standing out in especially against Borussia Dortmund and Lens with two goals and an assist. He hasn’t been able to continue such encouraging outings in the Premier League, either.

Premier League Manchester United Jayden Addai Antony Rasmus Hojlund
The Brazilian has now participated in 19 league games this season, but he has produced zero results. Both the manager and the supporters find his performances to be very annoying.

Even Andy Cole, a legend of United, stated, “He would drive me absolutely mad.”

“He doesn’t provide his teammates enough opportunities or score goals for me enough.”

The 2023/24 Stats of Antony

rivalry

Lighters

Objectives

Helps

First Division

19

0

0

Champions League

4

0

0

FA Cup

1.

1.

1.

Premier League

1.

0

0

Statistics from Transfermarkt

As you can see, Cole’s diagnosis is very accurate. In 25 games, he has only contributed one goal, which came in the FA Cup against League Two Newport County, where he had to touch into an open net to score.

That was Antony’s last game as a starter; in the three games since, he has started on the substitute side. But Alejandro Garnacho’s performance in his role—scoring twice against West Ham United and posing a greater threat—will worry the 23-year-old the most.

It’s reasonable to say that watching Antony turn around his career at Old Trafford is tough, particularly in light of the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is apparently willing to allow him to depart at the end of the season and that United is now aiming to acquire a new right-winger in the summer.

Premier League: Sheffield, Manchester United, Ten Hag, Anthony Bruno Fernandes
Regretfully, with a Red Devils patch on his breast, that incredible start to his career at United will probably be its high point.