[TwoSheds]

I thought he did alright yesterday and that goal was great from him, Rashford and Martial but he really does have a blind spot about going on the outside. There were times where there was acres of space there and none inside (back 5 after all!) but he never even looked to run into where the space was. I love that he's tricksy and great at keeping possession but sometimes the simple direct run is the right choice and he doesn't even consider it.

In summary, yong and lernin' but he's a talent and I like his character.

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

That's no good if he can't use supposed pace to get by his fullback and stay in front of them.


I was obviously talking about the in form versions or else I wouldn't have included Pedro.

How can Antony be a hybrid? Let's look at his numbers for creativity. Antony has zero assists this season and ranks in the 9th percentile for both key passes and expected assists. Also ranks 8th percentile in successful dribbles. Quite frankly Antony's creativity numbers are awful.

His opening three games are a purple patch if anything. Teams have caught onto his finishing and hasn't had a goal like he did vs Arsenal and Everton again, despite being in that position a few times since then.

Antony is neither a creative player or goal scorer. He's Bernardo Silva on the wing without the dribbling and key passes. Doesn't leave much

Agreed. Too slow and too small compared to Saka who is twice the player. I can't believe we have spent 170m on Sancho and Antony with such limited output.

 

[AjaxNL]

Sorry to see he is not delivering so far, although I cannot say I'm surprised. I wasn't that impressed with him at Ajax, in the Dutch league in which we dominated against almost any opposition. His numbers just weren't that impressive at all. if you take a closer look at his skillset, there were such glaring holes in it. He isn't particularly fast with the ball, is extremely one-footed, his crossing is shit, he has no shooting power. Very predictable player. Ofcourse, in the Dutch league he would get away with it and take on the odd defender, but I'm not surprised to see that he has yet failed to do so against stronger opposition.

He might turn it around, as he is still young, but I just cannot see the raw attributes to do so. The fact that Ten Hag wanted him badly does say something for sure, maybe he sees something in him that the rest is missing. He brought some turd with him to Ajax from his former club though (Klaiber and Labyad), who were far from good enough, so his judgement in that regards isn't flawless either.

 

[El Jefe]

So you have given up on him already

Not at all, in my earlier posts I said the only reason I still have faith he might come good is because of EtH. He knows far more than me especially about Antony and there must have been a reason why he was so intent on bringing in Antony regardless of the fee.

I'm only commenting on what I've seen so far. He's been impressive off the ball, at keeping possession and keeping the shape of the team, however he's been seriously underwhelming in the actual attacking qualities you'd expect from a Manchester United and Brazil NT wide player. He's pretty toothless.

 

[Cee90]

He’s had a decent start to his United career in my opinion, surprised to read on here that some are unhappy with him.

Plenty more to come from him.

 

[tenpoless]

I’ve found my new excuse for when my wife asks me to do something annoying eg spend time with the kids.

The difference is he can say that without having to sleep on the couch.

 

[phelans shorts]

So far there’s only really been one issue with Antony, his total unwillingness to use his right leg as anything but an ornament. It’s a bit of a problem when he’s on the right hand side.

If memory serves he wasn’t this left side dominant at Ajax, which implies it’s a confidence thing. He’s rarely loses the ball, he’s a good finisher, his left foot really is very impressive. His attitude is phenomenal particularly when things aren’t coming off for him. He keeps the width very well which allows space to those around him.

I have faith in him. A lot more than I did when the signing was first mooted to be honest, I like what I’ve seen. However I was well aware within twenty minutes that he’d have me equal parts frustrated and excited over the season so maybe I just compartmentalised it well

 

[ShinjiNinja26]

it’s unbelievable how quickly players are written off these days.

 

[Escobar]

He needs a 2nd move in his repertoire.

 

[RedDevilCanuck]

He's playing it safe too much.

I have faith as he's Brazil's main option off the bench. They wouldn't give that much opportunity to a player that plays within himself all the time.

He's also scoring goals while being underwhelming and finding his way.

 

[Trex]

If you compare his game to that of B. Silva when B. Silva played on the right for City the major difference is B. Silva formed a relationship with De Bruyne, De bruyne did the crosses, through balls and shooting while B. Silva focused on ball retention.
Problem is he's not quite forming any partnerships probably because his short passing game isn't at the same level.
What he seems to do very well is dribble the man behind him, he is the sort of dribbler who needs his opponent to commit to a challenge, from his debut against Arsenal you could see that EPL defenders nullify his strength by standing off him. If he had a 9 who is a box target then he could take advantage of that putting crosses in, at the moment I don't see any easy way out for him.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

People here have no patience at all

 

[We need an rvn]

it’s unbelievable how quickly players are written off these days.

Don’t be silly. 4 months is more than enough time for a young man to move to a new country, new language and culture, different league and get to know his new team mates etc. Should sell him and get our money back we can

 

[Nou_Camp99]

it’s unbelievable how quickly players are written off these days.

Not seen anyone writing him off. Plenty saying they have been less than impressed so far. I fall into that category. He's got time on his side but if this is his level then we've been completely done over by Ajax.

 

[JJ12]

Not seen anyone writing him off. Plenty saying they have been less than impressed so far. I fall into that category. He's got time on his side but if this is his level then we've been completely done over by Ajax.

Surely doesn’t sound like somebody who’s written him off

 

[dalriada]

it’s unbelievable how quickly players are written off these days.

Yep. Footballers as toy robots, press the "on" switch and they should just work out of the box.
He does look raw but there's clearly an underlying talent there if he has the mental determination to develop beyond the clever feet and ETH can bring that talent out. Most of all, he has the potential to be a really entertaining player and it's good to have that element in the team as well as the cold, clinically efficient talents (of the De Bruyne type).

 

[Nou_Camp99]

Surely doesn’t sound like somebody who’s written him off

I haven't. He will get a full season before we can be sure. I was expecting better though.

Too many people on this forum can't accept that everyone is open to criticism. He doesn't beat players very often, he doesn't go on the outside, doesn't use his right foot and his crossing / final ball hadn't been great at all.

Not sure there is anything wrong with what people have said tbh.

 

[Oly Francis]

I haven't. He will get a full season before we can be sure. I was expecting better though.

Too many people on this forum can't accept that everyone is open to criticism. He doesn't beat players very often, he doesn't go on the outside, doesn't use his right foot and his crossing / final ball hadn't been great at all.

Not sure there is anything wrong with what people have said tbh.

The worst part being, most people on this thread agree on most points :
- he wasn't worth what United paid for him
- the team look better with him
- he still have a lot of improvement to work on (right foot, final third, beating his player)
- he works hard off the ball
- he needs more time

Then you have "opinions", some think that "he'll be great for United, relax" other that "he is nothing special". Going one way or the other doesn't make anyone a better supporter. It's just opinions and people are entitled to write them on a forum discussing a player's performances.

 

[Lee565]

He's like a left footed valencia on the right wing without the assist output, damari gray was more fearless and dangerous than him last night and it's not like he doesn't get the opportunity to run into space either when counter teams that are chasing a goal.

 

[Nou_Camp99]

The worst part being, most people on this thread agree on most points :
- he wasn't worth what United paid for him
- the team look better with him
- he still have a lot of improvement to work on (right foot, final third, beating his player)
- he works hard off the ball
- he needs more time

Then you have "opinions", some think that "he'll be great for United, relax" other that "he is nothing special". Going one way or the other doesn't make anyone a better supporter. It's just opinions and people are entitled to write them on a forum discussing a player's performances.

Agreed.

Writing him off would sound like the following

"He's not good enough and won't get any better' or words to that effect.

Haven't seen anyone saying he won't improve. I still think he will come good but he needs to shape up quickly as he's becoming increasingly easy to predict due to his reluctance to change up his game and go on the outside sometimes.

There's a player in him though I'm sure. Just a bit frustrating to watch at the moment.

 

[sillwuka]

Is anyone else slightly worried about his dribbling at high speed? He doesn't seem in control and therefore slows it down.

 

[Greck]

Not at all, in my earlier posts I said the only reason I still have faith he might come good is because of EtH. He knows far more than me especially about Antony and there must have been a reason why he was so intent on bringing in Antony regardless of the fee.

I'm only commenting on what I've seen so far. He's been impressive off the ball, at keeping possession and keeping the shape of the team, however he's been seriously underwhelming in the actual attacking qualities you'd expect from a Manchester United and Brazil NT wide player. He's pretty toothless.

For me his job is to be better than Elanga, someone who could make that side somewhat functional. I don't think ETH wanted him that bad or we would have had him earlier when the valuation was even lower. The start of the season just kind of prompted change, even though 'a bit' overpriced. We should probably reconsider our expectations.

 

[Blood Mage]

Same problem as Sancho - he's just too slow and predictable to be a PL winger I think. His finishing is good though, maybe he has a future as a CF.

 

[Matt851]

Same problem as Sancho - he's just too slow and predictable to be a PL winger I think. His finishing is good though, maybe he has a future as a CF.

Agree, and the lack of pace results in him being over cautious in taking on players even when he has the pace to do so. It's just frustrating we have spent so much money on another player with similar failings

 

[Matt851]

For me his job is to be better than Elanga, someone who could make that side somewhat functional. I don't think ETH wanted him that bad or we would have had him earlier when the valuation was even lower. The start of the season just kind of prompted change, even though 'a bit' overpriced. We should probably reconsider our expectations.

You think he was only a bit overpriced and all we should expect from him is to be better than elanga?

 

[Greck]

You think he was only a bit overpriced and all we should expect from him is to be better than elanga?

'A bit' is in quotation to avoid anyone missing the intentional understatement. We massively overpaid. What I think is that we were stupid to wait till the last days of the window and shouldn't make it the player's problem. Had seen him in brazil and knew he had huge limitations. Ajax fans also already told his dribbling was nowhere as robust as the comps.

I'm happy with the player we have because I already felt his real valuation was closer to half what we paid. If anything would rather personally put the blame on management for being in a situation we had to overpay.

 

[jesperjaap]

I see some good attributes in his skill set and personally wont judge him for a while. New cluture, new club, young player, settling in etc etc.

I do remembe rsomeone posted on here a while ago though and everytime I watch him now I just cant stop seeing it. It is weird how when he is running with the ball at any pace its almost as if its always slightly behind him, its almost humourus but weird.

I think his link up play when we progress and become more of a direct attacking side coudl b esomething that develops well if he finds the right players to gel with as well. Those players would be our right back, am and cf.....currently Dalot, Fernandes and Martial....I certainly expect one of those to change over the next 18months, I also think (probably against the grain it seems) that there are better options than Dalot and Im not sure longer term Fernandes is nailed on either.

Saying that he could have a fight on his hands if a couple of our younger options progress to keep his place anyway and if Sancho does come back I would expect it to be on the right his best chance too

 

[Ibi Dreams]

The fact that Ten Hag wanted him enough to spend that much makes me think he'll come good. He saw exactly what Antony could do at Ajax and wanted to bring him here, so he's obviously got a lot of belief in him and in general ETH seems to know what he's doing.

Anyway, he is still contributing despite not exactly shining so far. More to come from him.

 

[Jeffthered]

He’s had a decent start to his United career in my opinion, surprised to read on here that some are unhappy with him.

Plenty more to come from him.

When? How long? At the expense of what, the progress of the team?

This isn't a youth team. He is a first XI player at one of the biggest clubs in the world. And he sure isn't playing like it.

He needs to get dropped if this form continues. He isn't doing anything.

 

[Stacks]

We can't be hypocrites. We mock the scouse cnuts for saying Nunez will come good and even if he does it doesn't take away the fact that he looks like a terrible bit of business so far.

Same with Antony IMO, I can only imagine what this thread would look like if he played for one of our rivals and cost this amount.

I'm used to three profiles of wide players at top teams
1. The fast goalscoring forward - Son, Pedro, Sterling
2. The playmaker that uses less speed but dribbles and passes - Bernardo Silva, Kvaratskhelia, Sancho (Bvb version)
3. The hybrid of 1 and 2 - Neymar, Messi

I have no idea where Antony fits within this. Isn't particularly fast or a good finisher. He also hardly creates goalscoring opportunities. It's a head scratcher at the moment but hopefully he comes into his own and shows his full skillset because if this is all there is, we're in trouble.

4. The hard working defensive winger good in possession, keeps it short and simple with the occasional goal - Welbeck

I wonder if we’re all expecting a different player to who he really is? His pass completion tonight was 89%. He had a tonne of touches, won tackles and always helped out his fullback defensively. Everton basically created nothing down our right side.

Teams don’t have to be symmetrical. We’ve had a lot of success with a “defensive winger” like Park or Valencia locking down one flank, while we mainly create elsewhere. This might be what he was signed to do. The occasional flashy trick and the wild boy vibes could be misleading us all.

Danny Welbeck has a slightly higher pass completetion in the prem and plays short and simple as well as decent back to defender. Do you feel a prime Welbeck would possibly fill in nicely in this team?

 

[Stacks]

He's playing it safe too much.

I have faith as he's Brazil's main option off the bench. They wouldn't give that much opportunity to a player that plays within himself all the time.

He's also scoring goals while being underwhelming and finding his way.

The fact that Ten Hag wanted him enough to spend that much makes me think he'll come good. He saw exactly what Antony could do at Ajax and wanted to bring him here, so he's obviously got a lot of belief in him and in general ETH seems to know what he's doing.

Anyway, he is still contributing despite not exactly shining so far. More to come from him.

Ajax 3rd biggest signing ever was signed during Ten Hag reign (Răzvan Marin) and he was sold after a year. Just because somebody believes in somebody does not mean they are correct. Hopefully he gets his confidence back and starts to attempt things

 

[SmashedHombre]

Hoped the early goal would boost his confidence and lead to a decent performance. It didn't. Very underwhelmed by him so far. Every time we counterattack with him I just assume it will lead to nothing.

 

[Stacks]

Sorry to see he is not delivering so far, although I cannot say I'm surprised. I wasn't that impressed with him at Ajax, in the Dutch league in which we dominated against almost any opposition. His numbers just weren't that impressive at all. if you take a closer look at his skillset, there were such glaring holes in it. He isn't particularly fast with the ball, is extremely one-footed, his crossing is shit, he has no shooting power. Very predictable player. Ofcourse, in the Dutch league he would get away with it and take on the odd defender, but I'm not surprised to see that he has yet failed to do so against stronger opposition.

He might turn it around, as he is still young, but I just cannot see the raw attributes to do so. The fact that Ten Hag wanted him badly does say something for sure, maybe he sees something in him that the rest is missing. He brought some turd with him to Ajax from his former club though (Klaiber and Labyad), who were far from good enough, so his judgement in that regards isn't flawless either.

Can't even be mad at you or call you a hater because you have been very forthright in your opinion even going back to April 2022 based on your statements below: that said, hopefully you know nothing!

"Ziyech was so much more impressive at Ajax than Antony has been so far. I think he (Ziyech) could do really well at United under Ten Hag btw.

For the prices quoted (60-80 millions Euro), United would be wise to look elsewhere. I fully understand Ajax in asking that sum, as we already sold more first teamers than we would have wanted, but Antony is not worth that much. To be honest, I don't think he is starting XI player for a top-6 team in the prem. His dribbling is impressive, but I doubt it would be as successful in the prem, but his strength and end product aren't all that."


"It really wasn’t. His crosses were absolutely shite. Weak, with no real curve in it to beat a defender."

"Really? That would surprise me, but can’t comment on it, because I haven’t seen any of his highlight videos (no need to when you see him play every week).
In my experience from watching full matches, I remember him having to cut inside to his left foot before crossing, which takes away the element of surprise and giving the opponent the chance to regroup in the box. Then what would follow most of the time is a chipped cross, without any real curve/tenacity to it.

I would definitely not say crossing is one if his strenghts. What I would say is a big strenght of his is receiving the ball out wide, taking on his defender with his left foot and creating the space/opportunity for either a shot, or a killer through ball, setting up a team mate with a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. For me, that is signature Antony.

btw on the double spin: needless, but entertaining. That’s what you get with him. Hopefully he keeps that element in his play, because other times the skill will be more impressive and functional."

"I think it's safe to say that Bergwijn will be scoring a lot more for Ajax than Antony. Assist-wise it will probably be closer, Antony might edge that. What Antony offers more than Bergwijn though is his ability to take on defenders. Bergwijn is more a speed and power merchant, whereas Antony is more a flair/technical player. My biggest question mark with Antony is whether his skillset translates to the premier League. He is pretty lightweight, I could see defenders who get close and physical with him, neutralize him."

"I'm pretty sure there are League 1, maybe even League 2 clubs that have bigger budgets than the smallest Eredivisie clubs. Bottom 5 in the Eredivisie have a budget of 7-10 million Euro's.

That doesn't say everything about the level of the league though. As has been pointed out, the Eredivisie is doing pretty well in Europe these days. Antony undeniably performed in the UCL as well. Still, I am not 100% convinced he will cut it in the Prem, although I will really enjoy watching and following him if he leaves. He is entertaining at the very minimum."

 

[darko]

Here's here and United paid what they paid for him and for me that has nothing to do with his place here.

For a first year young player he's done well.

Someone mentioned Ziyech. He's 29, been in the league a number of years and should be at the top of his game but his offensive numbers are awful. Lets face it, he couldnt finish fir Morocco either. I'd take Antony over him every day.

 

[sport2793]

He's like a left footed valencia on the right wing without the assist output, damari gray was more fearless and dangerous than him last night and it's not like he doesn't get the opportunity to run into space either when counter teams that are chasing a goal.

Gray has been flattering to deceive for many years now while this is Antony's first season in the PL. I do agree that he isn't a sure thing in terms of going on to be a match winner for us, it really could go either direction at this stage. But he's shown enough to suggest he deserves time to develop.

 

[Irwin99]

Think he'll get around 10 goals this season which might not be the numbers people want/expect for an 80 million player but I think there's a really good player there that will get better.

The Sancho comparison is interesting because in the games that I've seen Antony play he's always been showing for the ball; like he can annoy me with his inconsistency sometimes but I don't feel he's anonymous like I do with Sancho. Neither are exactly the most aggressive dribblers though.

 

[Rozay]

He looked comfortably a worse player than Demarai Gray last night I’d say. He offers very little to the attack, and given we’ve bet the whole house on him - he’d better improve significantly over the next 12 months I’d say.

 

[Still ill]

Still too Conservative but never loses the ball, works his ass off and scored. That's a decent base to improve from. Needs to show a bit more self belief.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

4. The hard working defensive winger good in possession, keeps it short and simple with the occasional goal - Welbeck


Danny Welbeck has a slightly higher pass completetion in the prem and plays short and simple as well as decent back to defender. Do you feel a prime Welbeck would possibly fill in nicely in this team?

Yes.

 

[simonhch]

You’d think that by now people would’ve learned how daft it is to judge a player so early, both in their career and in their stint at the club. But no, we’ve got people writing him off already. So, so daft. Come back and talk to me at the end of next season before I’ll listen about whether this is a success or failure.