Manchester United star Antony did not hold back after the former Ajax winger sent a clear-cut message about his struggles in the 2023-24 season at Old Trafford.
Antony has been met with a wave of criticism since he reunited with manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after his big-money move from Ajax in 2022.
The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, who was signed for an initial fee of £81.3m, played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and had high expectations placed on his shoulders.
However, Antony has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag so far, despite the Brazil international retaining the faith of Manchester United boss Ten Hag.
The former Ajax star managed to score only once and registered a single assist in 29 Premier League matches for United in the 2023-24 season.
Antony made 38 appearances across all competitions and the United star did score twice in four matches in the FA Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.
However, the United player lost his place in the starting XI towards the end of the season, with Amad Diallo starting ahead of him.
Antony was an unused substitute in United’s last two Premier League matches and failed to come off the bench in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
Antony addresses Man Utd struggles
Despite the mounting pressure he has faced at Old Trafford, Antony has been keen to prove his worth at Manchester United and silence his critics once and for all.
The former Ajax winger took to Instagram and Antony made it clear that he knew that the 2023-24 season was “very difficult.”
Antony added that he “suffered quietly” during United’s up-and-down campaign, but he is keen to bounce back and is “ready for the challenges” ahead of him.
Speaking on his personal social media feed, he said: “2023/24 was a very difficult season, for many reasons. But I suffered quietly!
“I took this period to reflect and seek self-knowledge. Today, at the end of another season, I can say that after everything I’ve been through, I feel much stronger and ready for the challenges.
“Football gave me everything I have, thanks to it, I was able to help my family, change my life and open up a range of opportunities.
“After time, the experience will give me the tools to achieve my biggest goals, which are success and to build my story in a world as challenging as the one we live in!
“I thank God, my family, our fans, my work colleagues and the entire Manchester United staff!!”
Antony’s awareness of Man Utd form
Antony has shown periods of his best form during the 2023-24 season, including his stunning impact in United’s 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Brazil winger came off the bench and produced a superb finish late in the second half to pull United back into the contest at Old Trafford.
Speaking after United’s win, Antony admitted that he had been “working silently to evolve” and had tried to “learn from each criticism” he received.
“It has been a period of a lot of learning. I try to learn from each criticism, understand where I can improve,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“I have been working silently to evolve and show my football on the field. I know my potential and I know why Manchester United hired me. I want to repay all of this on the field.
“My teammates are giving me a lot of confidence, my family too. This is important and gives me a lot of confidence.
“In the opportunity the coach gave me, I managed to be decisive and help. I’m grateful to Manchester United, it was my lifelong dream to be here.”