Antony ranks number one in the Premier League in one area, shows he's still got a chance at Man Utd

Antony is enduring a very difficult season at Manchester United as he still searches for a first Premier League goal.

This season has not gone the way Antony had planned at Manchester United. After a fairly promising pre-season in which he scored against Lens, he struggled in the opening Premier League games.

Then a series of off-field allegations emerged, saw him miss time, and manager Erik ten Hag has admitted Antony’s form was subsequently affected.

The Brazilian has been looking to end the season strongly, but has also seen his game time reduced with Alejandro Garnacho emerging as a starter on the right.

Antony’s slow resurgence

It has been a slow resurgence for Antony in 2024, having lost his starting place. His agent exclusively told United In Focus that he would be a different player in the second half of the season.

Antony has had a couple of moments. He registered his first goal contributions of the campaign, a goal and assist, in a 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport County.

The biggest moment, undoubtedly, came in Manchester United’s spectacular 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.

Antony’s rare right-footed goal was the equaliser to force extra-time at 2-2, a vital contribution, his second strike during United’s cup run.

He is still without a goal or assist in the Premier League this season in 985 minutes, 23 total appearances consisting of 11 starts and 12 substitute showings.

But there is one area where he has been able to make a contribution, and give himself some hope of increased playing time.

Antony contribution off the ball

One of the reasons Erik ten Hag wanted to sign Antony from Ajax in the first place was the winger’s off ball contribution.

And in data compiled via FotMob, there is one area where the Manchester United winger is surprisingly the top player in the entire Premier League – winning the ball back inside the final third.

Antony wins the ball back inside the opposition third at an average of 1.6 times per 90 minutes – which might not sound impressive – yet across the season it is the best in England’s top flight

These figures do not make up for Antony’s lack of production in possession, but it is notable to see the winger’s name at the top of any positive statistic for the 2023/24 season.

While he continues to work hard off the ball, Antony has a chance at Manchester United. His attitude has desire has never been in doubt, and Erik ten Hag appreciates his efforts. While he continues to show the right approach, pressing opponents and closing them down, Antony will remain in the first team mix, and more minutes could await against Chelsea and Liverpool later this week.