Antony 'not good' admission made by Erik ten Hag - but Man Utd boss refuses to accept any responsibility for Brazilian's £85m price tag

Antony moved from Ajax to Manchester United in the summer of 2022 for an exorbitant fee, but has yet to justify the club's huge investment. Although Ten Hag has acknowledged the Brazilian's struggles, the Dutchman has refused to accept any blame for the club's decision to pay so much for him, while also insisting he can still turn his Old Trafford career around.

Speaking in an interview with AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag said: "I don’t go over the budget. I’ve never even had a budget. At United, the budgets lie with the owners and management. He [Antony] certainly showed that potential in the first month: he scored three times in his first three games. After that it became more difficult, last season was not good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club."

In 82 appearances for Manchester United so far, the Brazilian has only managed to score eight goals, with his lack of pace and end product often called into question by critics. However, Ten Hag's comments suggest Antony will be given another chance to prove his worth amid swirling summer transfer rumours.

Antony has already started pre-season training with Manchester United and will be on the plane to the United States for their matches against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool. Ten Hag's side will then look ahead to a Community Shield date with Manchester City on August 10, which comes six days before their 2024-25 Premier League opener against Fulham.