‘I suffered quietly’ - Antony shares emotional message on Instagram after ‘difficult’ season at Manchester United

Antony arrived at Old Trafford with great fanfare nearly two years ago, following an £85 million transfer from Ajax. Reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag, the Brazilian was expected to bring flair and creativity to United’s attacking line-up. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Arsenal, a moment that seemed to herald a bright future at the club.

However, that early promise quickly faded. Despite the occasional flashes of brilliance, Antony has struggled to consistently perform in the Premier League. His form has been erratic, and he has found it challenging to adapt to the physical and fast-paced nature of English football. Over nearly two full seasons, his contributions on the field have not met the high expectations set upon his arrival.

Antony's decline has been marked and swift, to the point where manager Erik ten Hag had to employ him in an unaccustomed defensive role. Following injuries to key defenders like Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Antony found himself playing as an emergency left-back in recent months. Towards the end of the season, Antony lost his spot in the starting XI to the emerging talent of Amad Diallo. This demotion was a clear indication of his waning influence within the squad.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Antony wrote: "2023/24 was a very difficult season, for many reasons. But I suffered quietly! I took this period to reflect and seek self-knowledge. Today, at the end of another season, I can say that after everything I've been through, I feel much stronger and ready for the challenges. Football gave me everything I have, thanks to it, I was able to help my family, change my life and open up a range of opportunities. After time, the experience will give me the tools to achieve my biggest goals, which are success and to build my story in a world as challenging as the one we live in! I thank God, my family, our fans, my work colleagues and the entire Manchester United staff!! 🙏🏼@manchesterunited"

Antony's statistics for the 2023-24 season tell a story of underachievement. In 29 Premier League matches, he scored only once and provided a single assist. Across all competitions, he made 38 appearances, managing to score twice in four FA Cup matches. These numbers fall short of the high expectations and underline his struggle to make a significant impact on the pitch.

Antony's season at Manchester United has been a complex tapestry of high expectations, professional setbacks, personal challenges, and moments of introspection. As he prepares for the next chapter, both he and the club will be eager to see a resurgence in form and confidence, paving the way for a more successful future.