Antony joined Manchester United for an initial fee of 95m euros (£81.3m) in August, making him the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history. The Brazilian has made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils this season, scoring eight goals and registering two assists. His strike against Nottingham Forest ended a run of six games without a goal and was praised for his “quality” which proved the difference between the two sides. Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: “We said we wanted more goals and assists out of Antony and he produced. I think he was the difference between the two teams.” Antony broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, stabbing home after Forest keeper Keylor Navas had kept out Anthony Martial. He also played through Diogo Dalot following a driving run, with the full-back slotting in United’s second with 14 minutes remaining.
Ex-Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink commented: “It’s important he’s getting the 1-0, not the 4-0. He needs to score more goals. He’s got the quality to pick Dalot out [for the second goal]. He had a good game, he was comfortable even on his weaker foot.” Antony’s individual season highlights include goals against Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as the winner against Barcelona in the Europa League round of 32. However, he was criticised by United boss Erik ten Hag for unnecessarily showboating in October. The 23-year-old has scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax and two goals in 15 appearances for Brazil. Diogo Dalot said of his team-mate: “He had a fantastic game too. He is getting rewards from his effort all season.”
Is Antony starting to live up to his £81m price tag? Since joining Manchester United in August, Antony has made 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering two assists. His strike against Nottingham Forest ended a run of six games without a goal and was praised for his “quality” which proved the difference between the two sides. Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison said: “We said we wanted more goals and assists out of Antony and he produced. I think he was the difference between the two teams.” Antony has scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax and two goals in 15 appearances for Brazil, including goals against Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as the winner against Barcelona in the Europa League round of 32. Diogo Dalot said of his team-mate: “He had a fantastic game too. He is getting rewards from his effort all season.” It appears that Antony is starting to live up to his £81m price tag, with his quality proving to be the difference between teams on numerous occasions.