Antony’s transfer to Manchester United for £81.3m in August 2022, touted as a priority signing by Erik ten Hag, has become one of the club’s most controversial. Initially, the Brazilian forward seemed to justify the fee with a strong start, scoring in his first three league matches. However, over time, his performances have faltered, with Antony failing to score or assist in the league for months.
Despite his early promise, Antony’s output has been disappointing. In 96 appearances, he has managed only 12 goals and five assists, with his last goal coming in September 2023. His struggles have continued under new manager Ruben Amorim, where he has often been relegated to the bench or used in unfamiliar positions, including as a right wing-back. His time on the pitch has diminished, and his impact has been minimal.
United’s investment in Antony has become a symbol of the club’s ongoing financial challenges. With rising ticket prices, job cuts, and cuts to staff perks, his £81.3m fee remains a glaring reminder of a deal that hasn’t delivered. Antony’s contract runs until 2027, but he is now on the verge of a loan move to Real Betis, with United covering a significant portion of his wages.
While Antony’s personal story of overcoming poverty and adversity is inspiring, his time at Manchester United has largely been seen as a failure. Despite his struggles, he may benefit from a fresh start elsewhere, though his legacy at United will likely remain as one of the club’s most costly transfer mistakes.
