Featured Image Credit: Crystal Palace - Sofascore - Getty Images
Topics: Antony, Premier League, Manchester United, Michael Olise, Crystal Palace
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Antony, Premier League, Manchester United, Michael Olise, Crystal Palace
Antony's stats per 90 during the 2023/24 Premier League campaign have been compared to Manchester United transfer target Michael Olise.
United are interested in making Olise one of the first signings of the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, according to a report from the Evening Standard, as those behind the scenes plan a major overhaul of their aging squad.
Olise, who only signed a new four-year deal at Crystal Palace in August, is said to have a release clause on his £100,000-a-week deal at Selhurst Park that comes into effect this summer, when United want to pounce.
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The above report also suggests Olise is seen as someone who could help 'revitalise' United’s attack as they continue to struggle in front of goal.
United have scored just 22 goals in the Premier League this season. Antony, for example, has failed to score or provide an assist in all 21 of his appearances for Erik ten Hag's this season.
The Brazilian, who arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax last summer for a reported £86 million, has a take-on success rate of just 40.54% per 90 minutes compared to Olise's impressive 70.59.
In fact, the 22-year-old France U21 international has outshone Manchester United's out-of-form winger in almost every department this season.
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As you can see in the graphic from Squawka below, Olise has recorded a higher percentage when it comes to assists, chances created, pass accuracy and crosses attempted, as well as take-ons completed.
Last week, Antony lost possession 12 times and completed just one of three dribbles attempted during United's defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Peter Schmeichel did not hold back in his assessment of the Brazilian in his post-match comments.
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“He’s had an opportunity for a long time, this is a player that hasn’t scored this season, he’s not made an assist and he’s not scored, it’s like he’s not really understanding the game,” the former United goalkeeper told SuperSport.
“As a winger, there are certain things you expect them to do, go into this area [the byline] and cross the ball on your right foot but he doesn’t… he’s trying here, he’s trying but he hasn’t got the pace and he knows he hasn’t.
“We don’t know what the message is from the manager, he might’ve been asked to do what he’s been doing, then the manager would be responsible for no assists, no goals all of this season, actually back to April of this year.”