“Antony the new Neymar”

Submitted by Elliot Tapfuma Manduna

Born Antony Matheus dos Santos on 24 February 2000, Antony hails from the dusty streets of Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil. The Aquarian is known as a skilful, left-footed Winger. Nicknamed Tony, Antony boasts eight goals and four assists out of 23 matches played in the 2021/2022  Eredivisie season, having eclipsed that tally by one and four more contributions respectively in the previous season.

The pimple-faced assassin has caught the attention of Machester United Director of Football, John Murtough, as well as that of his former boss, Eric Ten Hag. Being a left-footer, he plays off the right wing and typically cuts in to shoot or cross. He fits the profile of a modern-day number seven and would give Ten Hag a much-needed boost in the attacking department.

Hailing from Sao Paulo in South East Brazil, Tony like Neymar grew up playing Street soccer and Futsal. This experience helped him sharpen his dribbling skills, speed of thought and passing ability. He is also a very versatile player like Neymar. He can be utilised as a Winger, Supporting Stiker and can also operate as an offensive midfielder. This makes him tick all the boxes for an attack-minded player and has seen his price tag hover around the €100 million mark.

Neymar Jr’s stats make Antony look silly on paper as he posts above the 90 percentile in most departments. This, however, deserves context, as Neymar has played in most elite squads such as Santos in Brazil, Barcelona and PSG. Without a doubt, Antony has a high ceiling for xG, xA, assists and shots inside the box once he finds himself playing for a better team like Manchester United.

The Eredivisie player is itching to make a move to The North West of England, having been side-lined in the last two league matches for Ajax due to his insistence to leave the club.

Ten Hag is eager to reunite with his former player and the transfer is imminent with reputable Journalist Fabrizio Romano recently posting his trademark, “Here we go ©️” on the deal. Antony will offer a much-needed left foot in attack. He is also expected to blend in the squad quite easily in the locker room as he is a Portuguese speaker (many Manchester United players speak Portuguese/Spanish).

On the other hand, the signing buys The Glazers some much-needed breathing space, as Fans, typically give them a break soon after big signings. Antony will also have pressure to perform to the levels of elite Premier League players due to his hefty price tag. He surely needs to hit the ground running.