Casemiro backing ‘exceptional’ Antony to silence critics as Man Utd’s £85m forward scratches around for form

• Red Devils signed Brazilian stars in 2022
• Winger yet to deliver on expectations
• Fellow countryman expects him to deliver

WHAT HAPPENED? The Red Devils invested heavily in a couple of Brazil internationals during the summer of 2022, with Casemiro – who was lured away from Real Madrid – becoming a talismanic presence on the back of his £60m ($74m) move to England. United are still waiting on a similar return from former Ajax star Antony, with the 22-year-old registering just five goals through 21 appearances, but he is being backed to become an “important player” for Erik ten Hag’s side.

WHAT THEY SAID: Casemiro has told United’s official website of fellow countryman Antony: “He is exceptional. I know him very well, he is an incredible player, an incredible person that is giving the best that he can.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Antony did provide the assist for Casemiro to score his first of two goals in a 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Reading last time out, with the Brazilian midfielder considering that to be an indication of what a creative colleague is capable of. Casemiro added: “All the merit goes to him. It was a collective effort, when we score, it is always a team effort, but Antony’s pass was exceptional and I only had the job to put it in the back of the net. I had the composure to finish well, but his pass was exceptional.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? United, who sit fourth in the Premier League table, will be back in action on Wednesday when taking in the second leg of a Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Nottingham Forest that they lead 3-0 on aggregate.