Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted he expects to see more from £82 million summer acquisition Antony.
Accompanied by Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez, the 23-year-old swapped Ajax for Old Trafford last summer, following in the footsteps of his manager.
But following a blistering start to his Premier League career, the Brazilian has suffered a dip in form, unlike his abovementioned teammate, who’s been going from strength to strength in 2023.
Despite featuring in 33 out of possible 49 games for the Red Devils this season, the left-footed forward has clocked only seven goals and one assist.
Antony’s goal-contribution tally puts him on a par with Alejandro Garnacho, who has had far fewer minutes on the pitch, while defensive midfielders Casemiro and Fred had more impact than him.
Although the Brazil international has been a difference-maker in some games, problems with inconsistent performances and a lack of final product have cast a shadow on his early career at Man United.
The Red Devils entertain Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday without Marcus Rashford, so Antony may have to step up.
He scored a stunning goal in United’s 4-1 demolition of Real Betis at home in the round of 16 but wasted some sitters as ten Hag urged his pupil to show more composure in the front third.
“Of course, we expect front-line players to be a threat but also have an effect in the final third,” the Dutchman told ManUtd.com in the pre-Sevilla conference.
“He’s a young player. He’s scored in big games and if you can do it in such games, you can do it in Premier League games.
“We have to win games together and that is my experience with him. He’s a fighter and he likes a challenge.”
Antony has proved more than capable of scoring exceptional goals, as evidenced by him winning four of the club’s eight Goal of the Month awards this season and is fourth on the season’s top scorers list.
However, there’s no doubt he must improve his finishing touch to reach the level of Rashford.
