Anthony, the worst recruit ever… Now Ten Haag admits it too
Anthony is struggling to break out of his slump.
“Manchester United manager Eric ten Haag has admitted that Anthony has yet to realize his potential at Old Trafford,” reported Goal.com on April 24.
The Brazilian has excellent individual skills and dribbling ability. He often finds himself in one-on-one situations with opposing defenders, often on the right side, where he uses his fancy footwork to get past them.
He also has a very good left-footed kick. Based on his kicks, he tries to shoot and pass by folding into the center while staying on the right side, and his crosses and shots from half-space are sharp. He has a good connection with the right back as well as shooting.
Joining Ajax in 2020 as a replacement for Hakim Ziyech, Anthony quickly established himself as a regular starter, scoring nine goals and providing eight assists in 32 games. After the season ended, several clubs were interested in him, with FC Bayern Munich and Manchester City FC among those linked, but he stayed with the club.
In the 2021/22 season, he remained a starter for Ajax, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists in 30 games, and in 2022, he finally joined United as a pick of his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Haag.
Last season, despite the huge transfer fee, he had a failed season. Sure, he performed, but in the end, he didn’t perform at all when asked if he was worth €100 million. Anthony has yet to score a goal or provide an assist in the Premier League this season.
Ten Haag, who worked with Anthony at Ajax, now claims that the midfielder has failed to fulfill his potential since joining United last summer. He also warned that Anthony will face competition in the side from youngsters such as Ahmad Diallo and Omari Fortson.
Speaking to reporters, Van Gaal said: “He has to prove himself. And he has great potential. He hasn’t shown it recently, but I know what his talent is and it’s important for him to prove it.”
He added: “There is competition and now he has to show himself on the training ground, but there are opportunities for other players as well. Ahmad Diallo has come back from injury and is adapting well to training. Omari Forson is also doing well. So we have options to fill that spot. And it’s not set in stone that Marcus Rashford has to play at center forward.”
Both Ahmad and Forson have made just one Premier League appearance this season. Ahmad appeared against Norwich City in December, while Forson made his league debut against Wolverhampton earlier this month. Anthony is expected to start against Fulham, as he has struggled to find the back of the net so far this season.