Manchester United announced the signing of Antony on the 1st of September 2022.
The deal, which included a potential 5m euros (£4.3m) of add-ons, was at the time the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history at a whopping £86m.
Manchester United looked to have found their right-winger for years to come. Antony dazzled during his time at Ajax and fans were ecstatic to see him replicate this with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
So far – things haven’t exactly gone to plan.
Antony on Manchester United criticism he’s received
In an exclusive interview with The United Stand, the Brazilian winger spoke about the criticism he’s received since his arrival in Manchester.
“Pressure has always been with us for those who play in big clubs, especially regarding United,” he begins.
“My life has always been very challenging, and I have had to go through many situations that many cannot imagine. I grew up in a hostile place, where eating, having a good house, having the internet, and access to a good education were a privilege; I would say that for us on the “favelas,” all of these were a luxury few people could have.
“This was a period in which I learned to deal with pressure and challenges. The pressure of life! Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play. But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional.
“None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The “digital court” is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters.
Antony’s proposed Man Utd resurgence
“I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life; no one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved!
“I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms fared in my place. I’m 23 years old, and my life has changed radically in the last four years. It wasn’t easy to assimilate and understand all those changes.
“My daily battle is getting back in my best shape and performing at the highest level on the field, regaining my integrity, and having peace of mind! I advise those young players to take care of their mental side and work hard; then, things will happen naturally.”
Antony’s time so far at Manchester United
Antony has been a strange signing for Manchester United so far.
The Brazilian winger was brought to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window of 2022, with the Premier League season already in full swing.
“This is an incredible moment in my career to join one of the most iconic clubs in the world,” said Antony upon joining.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and teammates because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”
He hasn’t exactly hit the ground running and he needs to up his output regarding goals and assists if he wants to win the fans over.
Nevertheless, the criticism Antony has received has been heavy-loaded and may have something to do with his price tag.
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