In what is rapidly becoming one of the most disastrous transfers in Premier League history, Manchester United's £85 million acquisition of Brazilian winger Antony has spectacularly backfired, leaving manager Erik ten Hag facing mounting criticism.
The 23-year-old's move from Ajax in 2022, orchestrated by Ten Hag who previously managed him in Amsterdam, was meant to catapult United back into title contention. Instead, it has become a case study in transfer market incompetence.
Statistically Shambolic
The numbers make for grim reading at Old Trafford. Despite his enormous price tag, Antony has contributed a mere 11 goals and 5 assists across 82 appearances. This season has been particularly brutal, with the Brazilian failing to register a single goal or assist in 24 Premier League matches.
Former United captain Gary Neville didn't mince words: "When you look at his output, it's been nowhere near good enough. For that money, you expect game-changing quality week in, week out."
Ten Hag's Troubled Judgment
The signing represents a significant blot on Ten Hag's copybook. Having pushed hard to reunite with his former Ajax protege, the Dutch manager now faces questions about his recruitment strategy. The club's hierarchy approved the massive expenditure based largely on Ten Hag's recommendation, a decision that now looks increasingly misguided.
Football finance experts estimate the total cost of the transfer, including wages and bonuses, could exceed £150 million over his contract period - making the return on investment arguably the worst in the club's modern history.
What Next for the Brazilian?
With new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe conducting a thorough audit of football operations, Antony's future appears increasingly uncertain. United may need to consider cutting their losses in the summer transfer window, though finding a club willing to take on his substantial wages presents another significant challenge.
The Antony saga serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of overspending on unproven talent and the dangers of managers being given too much influence over recruitment decisions. For United fans, it's another chapter in what has been a decade of transfer market disappointments.
