Ferdinand and Scholes' 2022 Antony prediction may be about to come true
Antony's struggles at Manchester United are unlikely to come as a surprise to legendary Red Devils duo Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.
The two former Old Trafford favourites were some of the first to express their doubts over whether Antony's mega-money move to United would pay off. Boss Erik ten Hag was believed to be the driving force behind the decision to fork out £80million on the Brazil international, having worked closely with the winger during their shared time at Ajax.
Shortly after his switch to United was confirmed, both Ferdinand and Scholes expressed fears that the huge price tag could weigh heavy on the winger. The latter felt that this particular deal was a prime example of English clubs being asked to pay a premium.
"I feel a bit for the lad, he obviously wants to come to Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world," Scholes claimed. "He is at a good club in Ajax, don’t get me wrong.
"But this is a proper football club where he will be seen around the world and he is a player that obviously the manager likes, he’s had him before. I feel a bit sorry for the player, but we will see what happens."
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The sentiment was echoed by Ferdinand, who made clear that Antony's transfer fee only increases the pressure. Speaking in August of last year, the ex-England ace told his Vibe with FIVE podcast: "Antony, he's coming in at £100million or roughly around that figure, [you hope] that he comes in and that doesn't weigh heavy on his neck.
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Antony struggled for Manchester United against Newcastle (Getty Images)"It can be the price tag weighing heavy and the pressure and the attention of being under the spotlight, a new environment and club and culture that they're not used to, and a team setup that they're not used to.
"Those three things are big things that come into play when you sign but you have to have the personality and character to deal with all that, that's a big thing."
More than 12 months down the line and it looks like both Ferdinand and Scholes got it right, with Antony falling spectacularly short of the lofty expectations that greeted his arrival. In 34 league games across both this season and last, he has managed just four goals - the most recent of which came all the way back in April.
Off-field issues have marred the start of this season for the Brazilian, but when he has been called upon he has made little to no impact. In nine appearances this term, Antony has failed to register a single goal contribution. Just this month, Ten Hag felt compelled to publicly defend his player in the face of such poor form and subsequent criticism.
"That is also team, first, and the team is not playing well when we don't bring him the balls and I am also responsible for that," the United boss told the press after the Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Newcastle. "But obviously, there was also a lot of noise and that dropped his levels.
"He can do better but all the players can do better. Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave and I am confident he will bring the performance, that he is the right player for us."
Every member of the Old Trafford faithful will be hopeful that Ten Hag's confidence is not misplaced, but with more than a year's worth of evidence, Antony is yet to prove he's worth £8m, let alone £80m.
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