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It’s safe to say that Manchester United are currently navigating one of the most challenging phases in the club’s recent history. Among the players who have faced considerable struggles during this tumultuous period is their £80 million signing, Antony. The Brazilian winger has flattered to deceive, and it increasingly appears that his time at Old Trafford may be reaching its end — whether temporarily or permanently remains to be seen.

We spoke to former United defender Paul Parker, who offered a candid assessment of Antony’s signing and expressed his skepticism regarding the circumstances surrounding the transfer.

It’s Time for Antony to Reinvent Himself

Antony’s tenure at Manchester United has all but been a failure. It’s a profound disappointment for him, as well as for the United fan base and the club itself. The winger joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for a reported £80 million, a move orchestrated by then-manager Erik ten Hag, who has since been relieved of his duties. With only 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances, Antony’s position among the club’s forwards has diminished, especially since Ruben Amorim took charge late last year.

Parker believes it is time for Antony to part ways with the club and seek a fresh start elsewhere. Moreover, he raises the possibility of questionable dealings at play due to the exorbitant fee United paid for Antony.

“Antony needs to reinvent himself and rebuild his confidence,” Parker stated. “He just needs to play football. It’s not solely his fault that this hasn’t worked out. There was definite skullduggery involved with his price tag. There’s no way he was worth that much. Non-football people are pocketing money in these transfer deals.

“I would love to uncover how much of that £80 million ended up where it was supposed to go, rather than in people’s pockets. That kind of pressure can be immense.”

Parker Questions Signing Antony Over Kudus

Interestingly, Ajax also parted ways with another winger, Mohammed Kudus, the following year for a figure believed to be around £38 million. The Ghanaian international enjoyed a standout debut season with West Ham, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. When Parker compares the contributions of Kudus with Antony’s, he queries how the latter was prioritised for the signing.

“Kudus was at Ajax at the same time as Antony, and that’s the player United should have pursued. He possesses attributes they could have worked with. Why was Antony chosen? I feel sorry for him; he was used and exploited by football agents and other parties merely to profit from his transfer. That kind of pressure can be detrimental to a player’s mental well-being.

“He was caught up in someone else’s little game of financial maneuvering, and that’s another reason why people are growing disillusioned with top-level football and its current trajectory.”

Was Antony Exploited in His Transfer from Ajax to United?

Parker further highlights the issue of managerial autonomy in player recruitment. The early 2000s heralded the rise of Technical Directors, Sporting Directors, and Directors of Football, reducing managers’ influence over club operations, including transfers. Antony’s allegedly inflated transfer fee and subsequent struggles at United have prompted Parker to question whether the Brazilian genuinely wished to move to the club in the first place, suggesting he may have been exploited by those involved in the transfer.

“Everyone wants to blame managers for transfers, but we must recognise that they aren’t the ones making the purchases nowadays. Owners hire individuals to handle these transactions, such as Directors of Football and Sporting Directors. It’s all a manipulation of money.

“Right now, it’s easy to pin the blame on ten Hag for all of United’s issues, but people need to see the bigger picture. Players are often incorporated into transfers to help teams stave off relegation or compete for titles. It all boils down to the money involved.

“Antony has expressed frustration because he’s been used. Is it a form of exploitation? Did he genuinely want to come to United, or was he content at Ajax, relishing the adulation he received there, much like van de Beek?”

Manchester United are set to return to action on Thursday evening, as they take on Rangers in the Europa League. The Red Devils are priced at 9/20 on bet365 to beat the Scottish giants at Old Trafford, where they’ve got the ideal opportunity to pick up a morale-boosting win.