Perhaps the frustrating aspect of Antony’s time at Manchester United is that, throughout the last two years, there has been the odd glimpse of something very special indeed.
That debut goal against Arsenal, becoming the first Manchester United player to score in his first three Premier League games, that Barcelona winner, the stunners against Real Betis and Charlton.
Even this season, as the scrutiny on the Brazil international reached almost intolerable levels, Antony still helped knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup while providing an assist against Chelsea that even Bruno Fernandes would have been very proud of.
The problem, with Antony, is that awesome usually follows awful, followed by a long spells of anonymity. A tendency to drift through games without ever really putting his stamp on proceedings is a big reason why Alejandro Garnacho – still a teenager, lest we forget – has overtaken the £82 million signing in Erik ten Hag’s pecking order.
Not that there is any bitterness on Antony’s behalf, praising the development of the player who headed home his sumptuous trivela cross at Stamford Bridge.
Antony full of praise for Manchester United trio
“It’s certainly been an excellent season for Garnacho,” Antony begins, speaking to the Manchester United website.
“He’s still a very young lad and full credit to him for his performances. I am really for him and I hope he continues making passes and running for the team.”
Garnacho has been a bright spark in a highly disappointing season for Man United. While Ten Hag’s more experienced players have flattered to deceive, the kids are certainly alright and then some; a promise of a brighter future helping fans through a frustrating present.
Willy Kambwala has shown that he could form part of an expected defensive overhaul this summer, while Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly one of only a few players Man United would not be open to selling under any circumstances.
“I’m really pleased for them,” Antony adds. “Willy is a really hard-working lad, always training hard. I am delighted with the game he had against Liverpool (that 2-2 league draw at Old Trafford). He had a great game. I congratulated him afterwards.
“Kobbie has had a longer run of games. He’s a huge talent. I see so much talent there. I’m really happy with his performances.
“I’ve been in the position of these young players, and was playing at their age as well. With their talent, their focus, a supportive family, things will happen naturally for them.”
Inspired by David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo
According to The Mirror, there are only 10 members of the current Man United squad safe from the Ineos axe. Mainoo and Garnacho are two of those – obviously – while Kambwala could find opportunities a little easier next term too, especially if Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire/Victor Lindelof are let go.
Antony is not giving up on his own hopes of a future at Man United, however, though he would certainly benefit from honing his talents in a manner reminiscent of two of the great Red Devils wingers of yesteryear.
“I always watched Cristiano Ronaldo. He played a lot on the wing here,” Antony adds, his end-product reminiscent less of a peak-era Ronaldo and more of the Portugal superstar’s early years as a blonde-tipped, brace-wearing teenager.
“I’ve always really liked (Lionel) Messi as well, and Neymar, they are the three players I always followed. I played with (David) Beckham a lot in video games, and I recently watched his documentary and learnt a lot from it.
“He’s someone who has inspired me. I already respected and admired him, and after watching the series this admiration grew even more. He’s a player I’ve followed since I was a child and as I just said, I learnt a lot from watching his documentary recently.
“You have quicker players like Cris, and others like Beckham as well, players who pull the strings more in a game with very good set-piece delivery. There are different types of players and different styles of play.
“As I said before, I always try and learn from both types. The quick players (like Ronaldo) and the technique and intelligence of Beckham as well.”
