Amorim went into the job as the new Manchester United manager with completely blank player books. What had happened to the individual players on Ten Hag’s watch was immaterial. This was the squad the Portuguese has at his disposal, all players will have the opportunity to show off in a new formation and new game, as well as a new type of coaching. This means that even Antony is left with hope, Amorim has a special plan for United’s biggest flop signing.
Manchester United bet £82 million in 2022 in expectations of the Brazilian’s performance. So far, the efforts have not yielded any returns. The only thing that has happened is that Antony’s market value has dropped like a stone, now down to £16 million (transfermarkt).
The United manager has given the 24-year-old new roles as a wing-back or playmaker in the 3-4-3 formation. Against Tottenham on Thursday, Antony gained confidence from the start, but here too the Brazilian did not show that he could help tip the game in United’s favour. Amorim explains the big wall that now stands in the way of success for Antony has been built since his move to Manchester United, but can be torn down with hard work and his coaching.
-He needs more confidence. If you remember Antony (how he was) at Ajax, he lacks a bit of confidence to go one-on-one, so he will improve,” Amorim told Goal.
It was precisely confidence and one-on-one play that were Antony’s strengths in the Ajax shirt.
-But he works very hard. He tries, he plays more inside than outside, especially in this game (against Tottenham). You have to do it to work hard, and it will help him become a better player,” says Amorim.
