Man Utd forward Antony blames 'personal life' for disappointing 2023-24 season and admits he was 'annoyed' after being asked to play left-back by Erik ten Hag

Manchester United forward Antony says he has matured following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian winger opened up on his struggles at Manchester United, blaming his personal life for his poor performances. Antony was given a month off in 2023 to deal with allegations that he had attacked multiple women.
The 24-year-old also admitted he got annoyed at head coach Erik ten Hag for playing him at left-back on a few occasions last term. However, the ex-Ajax man says he is determined to be a success in Manchester and will do everything he can to help the team progress under the Dutchman.

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WHAT ANTONY SAID
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "I am someone who demands a lot of myself, I was obviously not satisfied with my season, but a lot happened over the year in my personal life. Like it or not, everything I went through had an effect on the pitch. That’s behind me now and it’s a new season. I’ve got a strong mentality and I’m focused on what I want, I know that this season will be totally different… I’ve learnt from it all, I’ve grown and matured."
On being asked to play left-back, he added: "A lot happened last season. I played full-back and was a little uneasy about it but that was because, with the team losing or drawing, you want to be in the attack to turn things around and help the team, so being moved into defence bothered me a bit, you feel annoyed in the moment during the game, but afterwards it’s all fine… I have tremendous affection for Erik."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Antony went from providing 15 goal contributions in 2022-23 to just five a year later. He has cut a frustrated figure on the pitch, but if he can recapture the form that saw him thrive in the Eredivisie with Ajax, fans may begin to understand why Man Utd paid such a heavy price for the winger.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?
Antony has been involved in pre-season preparations with Man Utd and will be hoping to earn his place as a starter for the Premier League opener against Fulham next Friday. The report from The Athletic confirmed the investigation into the player regarding the attack on three women is still ongoing.

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