Manchester United flop Antony has been mocked for “thinking he was a real baller in the Eredivisie” amid his struggles for form at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old Brazilian was signed from Ajax in 2022 for an eye-watering £85 million ($112m), with hopes that his dazzling Eredivisie form would translate seamlessly to English football.
However, his performances in the Premier League have fallen well short of expectations, and critics have been quick to point out the differences between succeeding in the Eredivisie and thriving in England’s top flight.
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan weighed in on the situation, expressing his belief that Ten Hag is likely feeling the pressure of Antony’s underwhelming performances, especially given the significant financial investment made on his recommendation.
A Big Talent
In an interview with talkSPORT, Van der Kraan said: “Erik ten Hag is praying it will still happen because, on his advice, so much money was spent on this player.
“It’s the usual trap that Dutch coaches fall for when they go to England, they’ve seen players in the Netherlands that have done alright.
“Antony came from Brazil, joined Ajax and in Brazil, he was a big talent.
“He comes to the Eredivisie which is not on the same level.
“He thought he was a real baller in the Eredivisie.
“Yes, you are against the likes of Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles.
“You only play three or four big games in a season and yes he did light the stadium up a few times in the big games but it’s not a consistent period.
“Then he came to England and thought ‘Oh hang on, I’m facing really tough opponents’.”
Antony got on the scoresheet from the spot against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup but Van der Kraan believes that is simply not enough to justify the club’s massive outlay for his services.
“In the past, he would scrap a bit as well,” he said.
“He was one of those Brazil street kids who would do that and he’s found out that when he meets some boys from London or Manchester or Liverpool who grew up on the streets there, they’re just as tough as him.
“If Antony’s level of playing has gone down to the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, then that is not the sort of line you want to take in your career when you move for so much money.”
Did You Know?
Antony scored just three goals and provided two assists in the 2023-24 season after spending over 1900 minutes on the pitch.
In this campaign, he has got just a minute of Premier League football under his belt and Ten Hag has warned him he will have to fight for return to his lineup.
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United face a tricky trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday as they are slated to take on Crystal Palace.
However, it remains to be seen if Antony gets to feature against the Eagles after a decent outing against Barnsley.
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