Erik ten Hag’s comments suggest that Antony may face the prospect of leaving Old Trafford if he fails to prove himself.
Manchester United will host Barnsley at Old Trafford for the third round of the Carabao Cup. Following a 3-0 victory over Southampton in the Premier League last weekend, the Red Devils are expected to carry forward their momentum.
United is seen as the clear favorite against Barnsley in terms of class, resources, and squad depth. However, Ten Hag and his team cannot afford to be complacent. This match represents a crucial opportunity for several players who have seen limited action this season, with Antony being a prime example.
Antony has struggled for game time in the Premier League, with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo becoming increasingly favored by Ten Hag. Despite being a former pupil brought to Manchester by the Dutch coach, the Brazilian winger has not justified his €100 million price tag.
While Antony’s high transfer fee is not his fault, his performances have been underwhelming. Compared to Garnacho and Amad, Antony has struggled to deliver the explosive and direct play needed to create scoring opportunities. Though he may have superior technical skills, his effectiveness is lacking.
In the 2023/24 season, Antony played 38 matches but scored only 3 goals for Manchester United. In contrast, Garnacho scored 10 goals in 50 matches, and Amad scored 2 goals in 12 matches (not including assists).
Antony needs to demonstrate his worth through effective contributions, including goals and assists. The Barnsley match is a significant chance for him—not just because Barnsley is a less challenging opponent, but also because Ten Hag might rotate his squad in a cup game to manage the fitness of key players and prevent injuries.
Ten Hag has indicated that Antony is becoming frustrated due to a lack of opportunities. However, the only way for the 2000-born player to overcome this situation is to fight and improve.
With Manchester United’s professional and serious upper management aiming to enhance their football project, any individual not contributing effectively will be considered for removal. Antony is a prime example of this.
Recently, there have been rumors that Manchester United is in contact with Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain. Dembele, known for his abilities on both wings, is considered to have a greater impact and capability than Antony in many respects.
The Barnsley match is seen as Antony’s last chance before Ten Hag and the United board make their decisions. If he cannot prove himself—at least in terms of effort—Antony may find himself leaving Old Trafford as early as January 2025.