According to Erik ten Hag, Antony has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Arjen Robben at Manchester United after breaking his goal drought in the Premier League. Antony scored his first league goal since October 9th, and his first Premier League assist in the 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest. He has now scored eight goals in his debut season for United, having been signed for £85.51 million from Ajax on transfer deadline day in September.
Ten Hag: "He can use his right, he has to do it more. He can also go outside. But he is so good on the inside. Arjen Robben, they say he has only one trick but that one trick was so brilliant no one can stop it. Of course, if you can go both ways you have more variations." #MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) April 16, 2023
Erik Ten Hag Likened Antony To Arjen Robben
Ten Hag likened Antony to Robben, who was renowned for cutting inside onto his left foot during his successful career with Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Although Robben rejected United in favour of joining Chelsea in 2004, he helped the Netherlands reach the final of the 2010 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
“But he is so good on the inside. So I’ve seen, for instance, Arjen Robben a lot. They say he had only one trick, but that one trick was so brilliant no one can stop it.”
Ten Hag stressed the importance of timing and making the right pass in top-level football, and he was pleased with the Brazilian’s performance in the win over Nottingham Forest. Antony was in the right spot at the right time to score the first goal, and he made a fantastic pass for Diogo Dalot’s goal.
Erik Ten Hag On Antony’s Development
The Red Devils boss acknowledged that Antony needs to continue to produce an end product to be considered a top-class player, especially in the Premier League, where there are many quality defenders. He encouraged Antony to use his right foot more often and to make the right decision quickly. Overall, Ten Hag was pleased with Antony’s progress so far and is optimistic about his future at Old Trafford.
“He (Antony) knows; I know as well when you are a striker, you need end product. But already, he had quite a lot of end products. He scored in all competitions now, eight goals; the first year at United is not bad and still, games to go.”
