Despite rumors that Antony of Manchester United may be let to depart on loan this summer, Erik ten Hag maintains faith in the struggling player to succeed for the team.
The 24-year-old was in appalling form the previous season, making just 29 Premier League games and scoring just one goal, with just 15 of those coming from the starting lineup as Ten Hag’s team began to neglect him.
According to ESPN, the Brazil international may go on loan this summer as long as a club is prepared to cover his £70,000 weekly salary.
That would be an incredible fall from grace for a player who joined with the Red Devils from Ajax for almost £82 million just two years ago.
However, Ten Hag says he still believes the winger has the quality to perform for Manchester United, while he distanced himself from the price Antony cost, saying he has nothing to do with transfer budgets.
‘I don’t go over the budget. I’ve never even had a budget. At United, the budgets lie with the owners and management,’ said Ten Hag.
‘He [Antony] certainly showed that potential in the first month: he scored three times in his first three games. After that it became more difficult, last season was not good. But I am still convinced that he has the potential to play at this club.’
Antony was not involved in the 2-0 friendly win over Rangers on Saturday, but Jadon Sancho started the game in Edinburgh.
Ten Hag is eager to get over their altercation from the previous season now that the England international has returned from his loan at Borussia Dortmund.
We had a good conversation. Errors may happen to everyone. The Dutchman stated, “If the player reflects on this well, you draw a line and move on.”
“This team needs quality players, and Jadon Sancho is undoubtedly one of those players.” I’m hoping that we’ll still get along and that he’ll help us succeed.