“I know my worth…” Antony shuts down Manchester United critics, making controversial statement

Manchester United forward Antony has attempted to silence his critics by stating he will work harder and prove to himself at Old Trafford.

Almost two years into his time at Old Trafford, Antony’s time as a member of the Manchester United squad has been largely underwhelming.

Erik ten Hag‘s marquee signing of the 2022/23 season, Antony would score on his debut against Arsenal. That goal was expected to mark the start of an impressive career in the North of England, but nineteen months later Antony has only scored a further five Premier League goals.

Read More: Jason Wilcox explains crucial element Man United need, Erik ten Hag believes he’s offering it

Even his arrival in Manchester did not go according to plan for either the club or the player, with United paying far more for the forward than they initially budgeted for the forward.

Originally baulking at Ajax’s demands of more than £60 million for Antony, United would go on to spend over £80 million on the Brazilian attacker as the weeks went on.

Arriving for £81.1 million, Antony is United’s second most expensive signing of all time, with only Paul Pogba‘s return to the club costing more.

Despite this, Antony has assured fans of the club via The Athletic that pressure from his transfer fee is not the cause of his poor form.

“It (The transfer fee) doesn’t really impact me because I know my worth,” Antony stated. “The money is the money, and obviously, everyone speaks about it, but no one would if the performances of everyone and myself were at the top.”

Continuing, Antony explained that he knows he will show his worth in time, which some may view as a controversial statement considering the fact that he has failed to live up to expectations so far. “So, it’s something that is just a way of working harder, knowing I can get better, I know my worth, and I will (show it).

“As I said the critics are going to exist, and it’s something that makes me want to work harder, prove to myself first. I’m going to keep working, giving everything for the group because it’s most important to have a good mentality and to be focused.”

But it’s not just Antony who needs to work harder, as Erik ten Hag’s second season in Manchester has been nothing short of a disaster.

With four games left of the Premier League season, the Red Devils are already mathematically eliminated from qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Additionally, they find themselves nearly as close to the relegation zone as they are to league leaders Arsenal.

Despite all their flaws, the club has managed to reach a second consecutive FA Cup final, which Antony has acknowledged is the only way to salvage a dreadful season.

“It’s been a very tough year for me and the team, the results are not ones we have expected,” Antony added. “I am someone who takes criticism very well, and I want to work on it, and I think we all have to focus on finishing the season the best as we can.”

“We know we have a final, and we want to win it, but we need to get better in order to do so. We still have five games, and we have to think game by game, getting better and get the best way into the final possible and win it.”