Antony looks set to become Erik ten Hag's sixth summer signing after Manchester United agreed an £81.3 million fee with Ajax on Tuesday (30 August).
However, given his hefty price tag, fans will now be wondering what the Brazilian can bring to the Premier League - and what they should come to expect over the coming years.
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Thankfully, one United fan has provided his followers with an exhaustive breakdown of Antony's key attributes, by compiling a scouting report in Twitter thread form.
The user, named @htomufc, also creates short player compilations for TikTok, but in this instance he breaks down each facet of the 22-year-old's game via short videos in individual Tweets.
Check out the thread for yourself below.
Antony to Manchester United…
— h (@htomufc) August 26, 2022
Thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/MRptedYSU7
Antony’s dribbling is some of the best in Europe when it comes to volume per 90 and successful dribble %. The ball sticks to his feet and his overall decision making in the action is brilliant. He has the perfect balance of a top tier dribbler. pic.twitter.com/YzYJtDXlJn
— h (@htomufc) August 26, 2022
His tendency to come inside on his left foot rather than having the ability to take it to the line and cross with his right foot, is a weakness. He is quite one dimensional in that sense. But with runners around him it’ll make defenders jobs much harder. pic.twitter.com/eI8DkrBDlT
— h (@htomufc) August 26, 2022
Crossing is one of Antony’s best tools for me. His delivery, especially into the 6-yard-box, is great. Not only is he a high volume crosser but his execution and striking of crosses is very good. But can improve when it comes to deeper/longer crosses. pic.twitter.com/6V5hiNN7Yg
— h (@htomufc) August 26, 2022
Much of the fascination surrounding Antony concerns how he'll fit into the United attack, which is already bolstered by the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and another Anthony - Elanga.
And yet, as the thread shows, Antony has the potential to offer something a little bit different, especially in terms of crossing and offering natural width.
The only major concern @htomufc has about Antony is his overall defensive contribution, which has also been a persistent issue for the current crop of wingers at Man United.
In one of the viral tweets he writes: [Antony] can get overly aggressive and impatient often leading to pointless free-kicks being given away."
Nevertheless, the former Sao Paulo prospect is a "tenacious" presser according to the thread, which is exactly what Ten Hag will demand of his forwards.
Overall, Antony is a phenomenal prospect and the perfect modern winger for EtH. His technical skillset is already well refined. Output will come with time, he’s a really creative player and with runners around him he will only get better. pic.twitter.com/j6KwdSDMV7
— h (@htomufc) August 26, 2022
While the insightful Twitter user gives Antony his seal of approval, he does go on to qualify his statements by adding: “I am not an analyst or anything of the sorts these are just my opinions and takeaways having watched a lot of Antony of the past months."
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of @Antony00 🤝🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2022
Antony is all set to become Ten Hag's third Eredivisie arrival, after snapping up the Brazilian's ex-Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez, as well as Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
With 24 goals and 22 assists from 82 Ajax appearances, the winger certainly looks to have all the ingredients needed to become a star at Old Trafford.
Do you think Antony's price-tag is justified? Let us know your thoughts.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@htomufc / Twitter/@ManchesterUnited
Topics: Antony, Ajax, Manchester United, Premier League, Champions League, Brazil
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