Antony's future at Manchester United remains uncertain, with the £82million signing facing a crucial period under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Brazilian winger, who has struggled to make a significant impact since his arrival from Ajax, is reportedly available for transfer in the upcoming January window. However, Amorim appears to be giving Antony a chance to prove himself, albeit in a new role. In his first home game in charge, Amorim deployed Antony as a wing-back in United's 3-4-3 formation during their 3-2 Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt, a departure from his usual position as a winger.
Despite the unconventional role, Amorim seemed impressed with Antony's performance. The United manager explained that while Antony and fellow player Amad were positioned as wing-backs, they still operated as traditional wingers in certain phases of the game. Amorim emphasized that he values players who can effectively play in one-on-one situations, stretch the pitch, and help regain possession when the ball is lost. He also stressed that his system is fluid and that players' characteristics, rather than fixed positions, determine their roles on the pitch.
Amorim, who had success with a similar tactical setup at Sporting Lisbon, pointed out that United's defense in the game was more fluid than the usual 3-4-3 or 4-4-2, noting that the formation shifts depending on the game's demands. He made it clear that the flexibility of his system allows players like Antony to express themselves in different ways.
This season, Antony has faced criticism for his lack of goals and consistent performances, managing just 11 goals in his first two years at United. The 24-year-old has acknowledged that his personal life, including a highly publicized domestic violence accusation from his ex-girlfriend, has affected his on-field performances. In a recent interview, Antony admitted that he was dissatisfied with his past seasons but has learned from his experiences. He described the challenges he faced as difficult but believes they have made him grow and mature as both a player and a person.
With a fresh start under Amorim, Antony now has an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially secure a place in the United squad, though his future remains in the balance ahead of January's transfer window.
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