Former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen has urged the club to part ways with Antony during the upcoming January transfer window, citing the winger’s lack of impact since his £82 million move from Ajax in 2022.
Antony arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations, following Erik ten Hag to Manchester after their successful stint together at Ajax.
However, the 24-year-old Brazilian has struggled to deliver, managing just five league goals in two-and-a-half underwhelming seasons.
Reports suggest that patience within the club has worn thin, with Antony failing to impress under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Since Amorim’s appointment, Antony has made just one start—a Europa League match against Bodo Glimt—offering little evidence that he can turn his fortunes around.
Club legend Gary Neville recently described Antony as one of United’s “worst signings in history,” and Meulensteen echoed this sentiment. Speaking to Lucky Block, Meulensteen said,
“Manchester United might have to bite the bullet and cut their losses with Antony in January. He simply doesn’t have the attributes to fit into what Ruben Amorim wants.”
Meulensteen criticized Antony’s performances, calling him predictable and ineffective: “He always cuts in on his left foot. We rarely see quality assists or significant chance creation. I think it’s clear he doesn’t fit, and we could see him move elsewhere by the end of January.”
The Dutchman also pointed to Antony’s personality as a factor hindering his integration with the squad. “His characteristics don’t sit well with some of the other players,” Meulensteen added.
Despite these criticisms, Ruben Amorim has been experimenting with Antony in a new role.
The Brazilian played as a right wing-back during United’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Manchester City, and Amorim noted his progress in the position.
“He did a great job improving in that position,” Amorim told talkSPORT. “He has to defend more, but he has the ability. It’s up to him to prove himself.”
Antony’s current trajectory leaves his future at United in serious doubt. While Amorim appears willing to give every player a fresh start, Antony’s lack of consistency and the club’s desire for results could see him exit as soon as January.