Unexpected Twist: Antony's Future at Manchester United Takes a Shocking Turn

When it was expected that the departure of the Brazilian Antony would be easy due to the good reputation he has, but at Manchester United they are all surprised because so far there are no offers for him and he should stay even if he does not count for coach Rúben Amorim.

Antony: A Brazilian Talent Making Waves at Manchester United

Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, is one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from Brazil in recent years. The winger, renowned for his flair, skill, and attacking instincts, has made a significant impact in European football since making his move to Manchester United in 2022. Born on February 24, 2000, in São Paulo, Brazil, Antony’s journey to the top has been defined by his natural ability to perform on the big stage, and his rapid rise through the ranks of Brazilian and European football is a testament to his immense potential.

Early Beginnings and the Rise in Brazil

Antony’s footballing journey began in his hometown of São Paulo, where he joined the youth ranks of the prominent Brazilian club São Paulo FC at the age of 10. From a young age, his technical skills and creativity set him apart. He impressed coaches with his pace, dribbling ability, and vision, making him a standout player in the club’s academy. By the time he was 18, Antony made his senior debut for São Paulo in 2018, quickly catching the eye of scouts from both domestic and international clubs.

In his early years at São Paulo, Antony displayed his flair and fearlessness on the ball. His ability to take on defenders with quick, direct dribbles and his eye for goal made him a key figure for the Brazilian side. It wasn’t long before his performances attracted attention from top European clubs, and in 2020, he made the move to the Netherlands to join Ajax.

Breakthrough at Ajax

Antony’s transfer to Ajax in 2020 marked a significant step in his career. Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, who would later become his manager at Manchester United, Antony’s development flourished. Ajax has a rich tradition of nurturing young talent, and the club’s fast, attacking style of play suited Antony perfectly. In his first season with Ajax, Antony quickly made his mark, contributing to the team’s success in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League.

At Ajax, Antony’s skill set became even more refined. Known for his electric pace, dribbling ability, and close control, Antony also demonstrated his versatility in the attacking third. While he primarily played as a right winger, his ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot and create chances for teammates or score goals himself made him a constant threat. In the 2021-2022 season, Antony was instrumental in Ajax’s domestic success, helping them win the Eredivisie title while contributing a number of goals and assists.

One of Antony’s standout traits is his ability to perform under pressure. His performances in the Champions League, including a memorable goal against the likes of Borussia Dortmund, further showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. By the time he left Ajax in 2022, Antony had firmly established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.

Move to Manchester United

In the summer of 2022, Antony made a high-profile move to Manchester United, reuniting with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. The transfer fee, reported to be around £85 million, made Antony one of the most expensive signings in Manchester United’s history and added significant expectations to his shoulders. Despite the pressure, Antony has largely delivered on his promise, showing glimpses of the brilliance that made him a star at Ajax.

At Manchester United, Antony has quickly adapted to the Premier League’s pace and physicality, bringing his flair and creativity to the right wing. His speed and dribbling ability have made him a key player for United, and his knack for scoring goals and providing assists has added a new dimension to the team’s attacking play. Antony’s left-footed cutting ability, combined with his directness, has made him a potent weapon in one-on-one situations against opposing defenders.

In his first season at Manchester United, Antony’s performances in the Premier League and Europe were encouraging. He quickly became a regular starter, forming an exciting attacking trio alongside Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo (before his departure). One of Antony’s most memorable moments during his debut season came when he scored in his first Manchester United match against Arsenal, a statement goal that instantly endeared him to the club’s fans.

Despite occasional inconsistency, Antony’s adaptation to English football has been impressive. His ability to contribute both in terms of goals and assists has been crucial, and his performances have been characterized by a hunger to improve and a relentless drive to succeed. His work ethic off the ball, combined with his natural flair, has made him a player that fans can rely on in key moments.

Playing Style and Strengths

Antony’s playing style is built around his flair and creativity. As a traditional winger, he excels at taking on defenders with his dribbling ability, pace, and close ball control. His preferred position on the right wing allows him to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, where he can either take a shot on goal or deliver an incisive pass to a teammate. He has a great eye for goal and is always looking to get into dangerous positions in and around the box.

In addition to his attacking prowess, Antony has shown a solid work rate defensively. His pressing from the front and ability to track back have made him a valuable asset for Erik ten Hag, who prefers his wingers to contribute to the team’s defensive duties as well. This work ethic, combined with his natural flair, makes Antony an all-rounded player capable of impacting games on both ends of the pitch.

International Career and Future Potential

Antony has also become an important part of Brazil’s national team. Since making his debut in 2020, he has earned a spot in the squad for major international tournaments, including the Copa América and World Cup. His speed, technical ability, and flair make him a vital asset for Brazil, and he has shown that he can perform on the international stage just as effectively as he does at the club level.

Looking ahead, Antony’s potential remains vast. At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as one of the top young wingers in Europe, and his move to Manchester United has provided him with the platform to showcase his talents on the biggest stage. As he continues to grow and refine his game, he has the ability to become one of the best wingers in the world.

Antony’s development under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United promises exciting times ahead for the player and the club. With his natural ability, work ethic, and the support of a world-class manager, Antony is on track to continue impressing both at the club level and internationally for many years to come.

Conclusion

Antony’s journey from São Paulo to the bright lights of Manchester United has been one of immense growth and promise. His technical ability, creativity, and flair have made him a standout performer at every level, and his time at Ajax set the stage for his successful move to the Premier League. While there is still much to achieve, Antony has already demonstrated that he has the potential to be one of the most exciting and influential wingers in world football. As he continues to develop under Erik ten Hag, the future looks bright for Antony, both at Manchester United and with the Brazilian national team.