Antony's time at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster ride, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about his future with the club. Following an extended period of inconsistent performances and a lack of continuous playing time, the Brazilian winger is at a crossroads in his career.
Antony was brought on as a replacement for Noussair Mazraoui in the 78th minute of the second half when United were 1-0 down against Manchester City. His arrival was intended to bring fresh energy into the squad which had struggled to break down City's defense. Although he did not score or assist directly, his presence on the pitch helped change momentum, which was crucial for the Red Devils' victory. This perhaps impressed Amorim.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Amorim explained his decision to give Antony another chance (via Manchester United's website):
“I think, when we started, everybody is from scratch. We took like one month to explain that everything has a new beginning because every person deserves a new beginning and the power is in their hands. If they show it, I will put them in to play."
Antony has a second chance to impress under Ruben Amorim
Antony came on at right wing-back in the comeback win over City, which was an unfamiliar position for him. Even though he only played for 12 minutes and extra time, the Brazilian did a great job and made United's attack look more dangerous.
Amorim's decision to use Antony as a wing-back is more than just an experiment. The Portuguese coach feels that by using the Brazilian winger in this role, he will be able to capitalize on his speed and dribbling abilities while also giving him more opportunities defensively.
Fans are still not sure what the future holds for Antony. Some are frustrated with his inconsistent performances, while others see signs that he could be a very important player in the future.
Antony's performances will be closely watched as he prepares for upcoming games. His future at United could depend on how well he can adapt to Amorim's demands