Man Utd's Antony claims £86m transfer fee isn't weighing on him as struggling winger insists critics only serve as fuel

The Brazilian was signed from Ajax for that huge fee during the 2022 summer transfer window. However, United haven't seen much of a return on their investment, with Antony struggling to adapt in his debut campaign before having an even worse time of things this season. The 24-year-old only scored his first league goal of the season on Saturday against Burnley with just four games remaining, and he has just a single assist to his name. His lacklustre form has come in for fierce criticism, as well as the decision to celebrate Man Utd's FA Cup semi-final shootout victory over second-tier Coventry City by cupping his ears in the direction of their beaten opponents.

Antony, though, insists his mammoth transfer fee has not weighed on him in his time at Old Trafford, while his critics only serve as motivation. He told The Athletic: “It (the transfer fee) doesn’t really impact me because I know my worth, 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.

"It’s something that is just a way of working harder, knowing I can get better, I know my worth and I will (show it). The critics are going to exist, and it’s something that makes me want to work harder, and 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."

Off-field issues have undoubtedly been a distraction after Antony was accused of domestic violence by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin last summer, with a police investigation still ongoing as the end of the season approaches.

Despite his personal ambition of eventually proving himself, Antony may well be playing for his Man Utd future in what remains of the season, starting against Crystal Palace on Monday, May 6. It has been reported that the club's new part-owners, INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are keen to cut their losses on the £86m man, although the continuing police investigation could scupper their plans.