Man Utd splashed £86m on Antony. (Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been on a spending spree since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2022, with an eye-watering £600 million forked out on 15 new recruits.
Yet, it's winger Antony who has become the standout flop amongst the acquisitions - as the club's second-highest buy ever.
The Red Devils shelled out around £86million to acquire the Brazilian talent from Ajax, but his contribution has largely been underwhelming.
In 56 Premier League matches, Antony has only managed to notch up five goals and three assists, with his first three appearances accounting for all the assists made.
Edwin van der Sar, United icon and Ajax's CEO at the time of the 24-year-old's recruitment, had presciently cautioned that United were significantly overspending on the forward.
Van der Sar recognized Antony as a "potential world star" but felt the player would benefit from another term at Ajax for further progression. Nonetheless, the mammoth bid by United was too tempting to dismiss.
Post-transfer, Van der Sar said: "We would have liked to keep him here one year longer - there was not a dire need to sell him, we had money in the bank - but the fee got so high. We challenged United to go as far as possible."
Edwin van der Sar wanted Antony to stay at Ajax. (Image: Getty Images)
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Alas, his tenure at Old Trafford hasn't quite hit the high notes expected, highlighted by the fact that his sole start this season came during the 7-0 Carabao Cup drubbing of League One's Barnsley last month.
With Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo outstripping him in the squad hierarchy, Antony's future hangs in balance.
Ten Hag has spoken out about his No. 21's struggle for a spot on the team, saying last month: "He is fighting, fighting for his position. That's what we expect from every player in the squad at Manchester United, what they should do."
The United boss also noted the player's eagerness to get on the pitch: "Of course he's impatient. He wants to play and he's fighting to play. That is professional football, that is top football. Those are the laws. You pick the team that you think has the most chance to win a game."
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Ten Hag emphasised the competitive nature of the sport, stating: "The players have to fight for their positions. You pick the XI who have the best dynamic, the best chemistry.
"So he has to earn the right in training but the others are doing really well. He has to get over them."
Finally, Ten Hag expressed confidence in Antony's potential to reclaim his place: "Now he has to bounce back and he has the abilities to do it. If he is doing the right thing, he can make competition with them."
