BBC pundit Robbie Savage boldly used Cristiano Ronaldo’s first spell at Manchester United in direct comparison with Antony’s struggles at Old Trafford this season.
Antony, who was signed from Ajax in 2022, has made 11 starts in 16 Premier League appearances for United this season and has failed to score or assist so far.
The 23-year-old winger has also featured in four Champions League matches and one Carabao Cup tie, with Antony offering little impact for United in attack.
United manager Erik ten Hag has kept faith in Antony and continued to start him, despite the former Ajax star coming under mounting criticism over his run of form.
Antony, who has spoken on the criticism he has received, had high expectations placed on his shoulders after United splashed out a hefty £81.3m to sign him.
Savage compares Ronaldo with Antony’s struggles
According to Sportskeeda, Savage engaged in a heated debate with a caller on BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 about Antony’s underwhelming performances at United so far.
Savage said that Antony needed time to “develop” at Old Trafford and even went as far as to remind the caller of Ronaldo’s early spell at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking on Antony, the BBC pundit told the caller: “Antony is a young man, I’m just saying that he will develop, but do you get time to develop at Man United if your numbers, your goals and assists output for someone who cost £85m, has it been good enough?
“The answer is no. No, but do you remember Ronaldo? Remember Ronaldo when he first came to United?”
The caller dismissed the idea that Antony was in the same league as Ronaldo, with Savage adding that he was arguing that the United player needed time to settle.
“I’m not, but listen to what I’m saying,” Savage continued.
“It’s a young player at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and people take time to settle. He’s not been good enough for Man United; I totally agree with you.”
Antony is a big conundrum for Ten Hag
Antony is only in his second season at United and it remains to be seen how far the Brazil international can develop during his time at Old Trafford.
Despite all of the background noise from fans, commentators and pundits, Ten Hag clearly sees something in the former Ajax winger that nobody else does.
Antony has struggled at United this season – more so than others – but none of the other attacking options have really covered themselves with high praise.
Only time will tell if Antony ever does live up to his hefty price tag, although the United winger does need more time to settle into life at the Premier League club.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
