Manchester United Needs More Out Of Brazil International Antony To Alleviate The Pressure On Marcus Rashford

While the criticism over Antony’s start to life at Manchester United have been over-exaggerated, there is some truth in wanting to see the Brazilian show more end product in the final third.

Signed from AFC Ajax for £80 million in what was a very late deal of the summer transfer window, Erik Ten Hag made it abundantly clear to the board that Antony was the forward player he most admired having worked with him.

The Red Devils had the opportunity to sign the Brazil international for a sum far less than what they ended up paying, but sat on the information and deliberated on whether it was a player they needed to sign.

As the transfer deadline loomed closer and Manchester United’s form became worse, the board eventually green lit the signing and added him to the club’s attacking options.

It has been a mixed start for Antony, who has five goals and one assist to his name in 16 appearances so far for the Red Devils. At times, Antony looks like he can take on the world with his dazzling feet and quick explosion of speed, but he can also look like a deer trapped in the bright headlights, unsure of his next move.

That is not uncommon for a 22 year old winger to be undecided having joined a new club, in a new league, learning a new language. However, Manchester United fans want to see immediate results and impact on a consistent basis – especially to help alleviate the pressures on Marcus Rashford’s shoulders.

The England international is in the form of his life, having scored 18 goals and assisted six further throughout all competitions this season. He has been as motivated as ever and has clearly reaped the rewards of Ten Hag’s management as well as the guidance of attacking coach Benni McCarthy.

Manchester United currently have an over-reliance on Rashford to find the breakthrough which is unsustainable. Wout Weghorst has been brought in on loan to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and has done an important job in helping bring others around him, but is unlikely to score a wrath of goals.

And so Antony is needed to step up and take more of a responsibility for the attacking output. Against Championship side Reading in the FA Cup, he was awarded man of the match for his positive displays and assist.

At times, Antony can overcomplicate the situation by breaking out too many skills and hesitating in front of the defender. When he is quick to shift it from one direction to the other he has a better chance of success in getting past them and into open space.

The return of Jadon Sancho is likely to provide even further competition for places which Antony will be well aware of. But with the amount of games that are on the horizon in big competitions, Manchester United need the Brazilian to start influencing the game on a more regular basis in the final third.