Antony’s Start To Life In The Premier League With Manchester United Bodes Well For The Future

SportsMoney Antony’s Start To Life In The Premier League With Manchester United Bodes Well For The Future Liam Canning Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover the Premier League and other fascinating stories in Europe Following New! Follow this author to stay notified about their latest stories. Got it! Oct 13, 2022, 07:11am EDT | New! Click on the conversation bubble to join the conversation Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Antony Matheus dos Santos of Manchester United during the .

. . [+] Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 4, 2022 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images Manchester United fans turned their nose up at the reported £80 million transfer fee that AFC Ajax commanded for Antony in the summer transfer fee. Given the Brazil international was available for around £20 million less earlier in the summer, it once again highlighted Man United’s scattergun approach in the transfer market, leaving Erik Ten Hag perilous with only two weeks before it closed. While the Red Devils were taken to the cleaners in terms of the deal itself, the player is one that has shone incredibly brightly.

Three Premier PINC League goals in three Premier League appearances suggests that Manchester United have a player on their hands. Not only his goal tally, but work rate, individual skill, speed and directness has already caused him to be a fan favourite. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: Antony of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League .

. . [+] match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on October 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Getty Images There have been major criticisms over Jadon Sancho’s indirectness when on the wing, more often than not deciding to come back and pass rather than take on his man. Whereas Antony is quite the opposite and seemingly always on the front foot. Two of his league goals have come from quick transitions in breaking up the play and giving the front three space to operate in.

Against Everton, most recently, Martial picked up the ball just past halfway and immediately saw the Brazilian running in between the left central defender and left back to find the angles for the pass. MORE FOR YOU Hiring Refugees: How One Big Factory Did It Move Over, Customer Experience: A More Holistic Approach Is Here Why You Don’t Need Permission To Pivot And Improve The Impact Of Your L&D Function Today The pass came from his French teammate and Antony’s delicate finish by opening up his body and using his left foot got the better of England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. It was reminiscent of his first goal in United’s red against Arsenal on his debut, where he calmly moves to the side of the ball and whips it around.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 09: Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United reacts during the . . .

[+] Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on October 09, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Getty Images As Ten Hag correctly stated in his post-match press conference against Everton, there is more to come from the Brazil international. “I’m happy with his performance and development, but I know there’s still huge improvement and, I know, at this club and in the Premier League, he needs to challenge.

He has to go everyday to his max to get the best of him. ” After so many years without synergy across the front three, Manchester United now have two, direct wingers in Marcus Rashford and Antony who have the opportunity to cut in and use their favoured foot. It adds a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack that has sorely been missing throughout the years.

With Rashford coming back into form in a prolific manner, Manchester United fans are excited at the partnership that can be created along with Antony when he has had more time in the club. There are glimpses of pure footballing excellence under Ten Hag with patterns of play clearly on show, with the aim of building those glimpses into the lion share of how Manchester United play. If the Red Devils can keep Anthony Martial fit and play him as their centre forward – which is a big if currently – then fans will be excited to watch such a dynamic front three operate together and build on their relationship.

The best is clearly yet to come for Antony with the 22-year-old only just settling into life in the Premier League, but his three goals show that he is acclimatising quickly. The stage is set for the Brazilian. Liam Canning Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.