Manchester United winger Antony is keen to ‘prove himself’ at Old Trafford following a challenging 2023-24 campaign and claims that ‘critics make me want to work harder’.
Manchester United winger Antony is keen to ‘prove himself’ at Old Trafford and claims that ‘critics make me want to work harder’ as he strives to turn his fortunes around following a challenging 2023-24 campaign.
The 24-year-old has struggled to reach the heights expected with the Red Devils and has been heavily criticised for his performances since his £85m arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
Antony has only contributed with 11 goals and five assists in 80 appearances for Man United across all competitions, and he scored his first Premier League goal of the season at the 27th time of asking in a 1-1 draw with Burnley last weekend.
The Brazilian’s poor form on the pitch this term has coincided with off-field allegations of abuse that he has repeatedly denied; he was given a leave of absence earlier this year and is still being investigated by both the Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Civil Police.
Although Antony still has over three years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, reports have suggested that Erik ten Hag‘s side would be willing to listen to offers for the winger this summer.
© Reuters
Antony focused on proving critics wrong
However, Antony is determined to put the challenges he has faced to one side and work hard to justify his hefty price tag and prove his critics wrong.
“[The transfer fee] doesn’t really impact me because I know my worth,” he told reporters as quoted by the Independent. “The money is the money and obviously everyone speaks about it but no one would if the performances of everyone and myself were at the top.
“So, it’s something that is just a way of working harder, knowing I can get better, I know my worth and I will.
“As I said the critics are going to exist, and it’s something that makes me want to work harder, prove to myself first.
“I’m going to keep working, giving everything for the group because it’s most important to have a good mentality and to be focused.”
© Reuters
Antony is one of several players who has underperformed for a Man United side that sits sixth in the Premier League table and are all but certain to miss out on Champions League football for next season, while an FA Cup final with rivals Manchester City is their only remaining shot at silverware.
“It’s been a very tough year for me and the team,” Antony added. “The results are not ones we have expected. I am someone who takes criticism very well and I want to work on it, and I think we all have to focus on finishing the season the best as we can.
“We still have a few Premier League games and the (FA Cup) final. We want to win it, but we need to get better in order to do so. We have to think game by game, getting better and get the best way into the final possible and win it.
“Then, we need to focus on the next season and not commit the mistakes we’ve committed this year.”
Antony will hope to make a positive impact in Man United’s final four Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion before the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 25.