“I think I will win the Ballon D’or one day. I was happy when they sacked Erik ten Hag. He was not playing me the right way. But I will show the fans that I am on our next match under Rúben Amorim. He is my type of coach.”-BREAKING NEWS: Antony promises Manchester United fans that he will be back to scoring under Rúben Amorim and why he has been under-performing.

Antony’s Struggles at Manchester United: From Dream Start to Uncertain Future**

When Antony scored just 35 minutes into his Manchester United debut, it seemed Erik ten Hag’s determination to bring the Brazilian to Old Trafford had been vindicated. The winger, signed from Ajax in a high-profile €95 million deal with an additional €5 million in add-ons, appeared to be the answer to United’s issues on the flanks, especially after Jadon Sancho’s underwhelming debut season.

Antony’s debut goal, giving United the lead in a 3-1 victory over Arsenal, was followed by strikes in Premier League matches against Manchester City and Everton. Three goals in his first six appearances suggested United had made a shrewd investment in a player still adapting to a new league and environment. Patience seemed warranted, and the early signs were encouraging.

### Initial Optimism Turns to Frustration

Despite his promising start, Antony’s output has sharply declined. In the two years since that electrifying debut, he has managed just nine goals in 81 appearances for United, with his only goal this season coming from the penalty spot in a 7-0 Carabao Cup win against third-tier Barnsley.

While Antony’s first season saw him notch eight goals in all competitions, fans were willing to give him time to adjust. However, that goodwill has eroded as his performances failed to justify his hefty price tag. He now finds himself at the bottom of the pecking order for wide positions, a far cry from the high expectations surrounding his arrival.

### Controversy Surrounding His Move

Antony’s move to United wasn’t without drama. In August 2022, he went on strike at Ajax to force through his transfer to Manchester. He refused to play in their 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, citing a lack of focus. A week later, he was omitted again from the squad for a match against FC Utrecht.

Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder was critical of Antony’s actions, accusing the player of prioritizing money over his commitment to the club. “Nowadays, everything is about money, and I think this is sad,” Schreuder said. Despite the controversy, the deal went through, and hopes were high that Antony could inject creativity into United’s attack.

### Underperforming and Facing an Uncertain Future

Unfortunately for Antony, his performances under Ten Hag have not lived up to expectations. The winger’s reliance on a single skill set and his inability to adapt have left him sidelined, even under a manager who had championed his talents. Now, with Ruben Amorim at the helm, Antony faces an uphill battle to revive his career.

Amorim’s arrival brings a new system and fresh ideas, offering Antony a potential lifeline. However, he remains out of favor and has yet to make a meaningful contribution this season. The winger is running out of time to prove his worth, and failure to adapt could see his Manchester United career come to an early end.

### From Promise to Example of “Dumb Money”?

Antony’s story has the potential to become a cautionary tale. Once seen as a key piece in United’s rebuild, he now risks being remembered as another costly misstep in the club’s transfer dealings. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent criticism of the club’s history of reckless spending has only added to the scrutiny surrounding the Brazilian’s transfer.

For Antony, the road ahead is clear: rediscover the form that made him a marquee signing or risk being shipped out as United continue their efforts to rebuild under new leadership.

Antony’s journey at Manchester United highlights the volatility and challenges players can face when making high-profile moves to a club with immense expectations. His sharp decline from a dream debut to a largely peripheral figure underscores several critical themes in modern football: adaptation, consistency, and the weight of financial expectations.

### The High Stakes of a Big Transfer Fee
Antony’s €100 million transfer fee created immense pressure from the start, setting a standard he has struggled to meet. While his early performances suggested promise, his failure to sustain that form has left fans and analysts questioning the investment. It also serves as a stark reminder of how inflated fees can skew expectations, even for young players still developing their game.

### A Tactical Mismatch?
Under Erik ten Hag, Antony’s familiarity with the Ajax system should have been an advantage. However, his performances reveal a one-dimensional style of play, with heavy reliance on his left foot and predictable cutting-inside movements. This has made him easier to defend against in the Premier League, where athleticism, adaptability, and decision-making are paramount.

The arrival of Ruben Amorim, known for his dynamic tactical systems, offers Antony a chance to adapt and evolve. Amorim’s focus on pressing, versatility, and swift transitions could either unlock Antony’s potential or expose further limitations.

### Cultural and Environmental Challenges
Beyond footballing reasons, cultural adaptation to life in England and the pressures of representing a global club like Manchester United may have impacted Antony. For many South American players, the transition to European football’s highest levels is as much mental as it is physical or technical. His controversial departure from Ajax may also suggest underlying issues with handling adversity and discipline.

### The Road Ahead: Redemption or Departure
With his struggles now compounded by competition in wide positions, Antony’s future at United appears tenuous. His story, however, isn’t unique. Players like Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw have experienced dips before revitalizing their careers, often under new managerial guidance or tactical systems.

If Antony cannot adapt, he risks becoming a symbol of Manchester United’s previous era of costly and ineffective recruitment. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s focus on financial prudence and performance metrics underlines the limited patience for underperforming assets.

### The Critical Next Steps
For Antony, the path to redemption involves:
1. **Diversifying His Game**: Developing his right foot, improving decision-making, and varying his attacking approach to surprise defenders.
2. **Seizing Opportunities**: Making the most of any minutes under Amorim to showcase his ability to adapt and thrive.
3. **Mental Fortitude**: Proving he can rise above criticism and pressure to justify the trust placed in him.

If he fails to do so, a move away might become inevitable. European clubs or a return to Brazil could offer a less pressured environment for rebuilding his career. Antony’s story, whether of resurgence or departure, will be closely watched as United seek to redefine their identity.