Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted “last season was not good” for Antony but has insisted the winger still “has the potential to play at this club”. Antony has endured a miserable time since following Ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford two years ago.
United shelled out a whopping £82million to prise Antony away from Holland after the Brazil international had made a name for himself in the Eredivisie and Champions League.
But he has proven to be a flop in the Premier League and struggled for gametime last season as he started just 15 times in the top-flight.
Related articles
“I'm not going to go into every player, but let me explain,” Ten Hag told Dutch outlet AD as he defended his decision to sign Antony in the first place.
“In that first transfer window, Mason Greenwood seemed to be a leading candidate for that position, right winger. Other than that, we hardly had anyone there. Jadon Sancho can play on the right, but his most natural position is originally on the left wing.
“So when that went wrong with Greenwood we had to do something there. Number one on the club's scouting list was Antony. Then one and one is two, right? I had worked great with him for two years. He was the standout player in almost every Ajax Champions League match. So at the time, that wasn't a crazy choice.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“Especially in the first month, he certainly showed that potential. He scored three times in his first three games. After that it got harder - last season wasn't good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club.”
Antony found the back of the net against Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton in his first three Premier League appearances but then went on a barren spell in front of goal as he registered just one more top-flight goal during his maiden campaign in England.
His second season was even tougher as he contributed just three goals and two assists in all competitions throughout the entire campaign.
Don't miss...
Arsenal get bargain signing, Man Utd firesale, Watkins to Chelsea [TRANSFER NEWS]
Arsenal 'prepare Marc Guehi swap offer' to pip Man Utd and Liverpool to transfer [INSIGHT]
Ruud van Nistelrooy makes immediate impact at Man Utd as youngster speaks out [DETAILS]
Last September, the 24-year-old was given a leave of absence by his employers to “address allegations” which had been made against him.
He then kicked out at Manchester City ace Jeremy Doku in October during the closing stages of the Manchester derby moments after coming on as a substitute.
And he goaded Coventry players with his celebrations after United had defeated the Championship side on penalties in the FA Cup semi-finals after squandering a 3-0 lead in normal time.
