Antony’s Journey from the Favelas to Old Trafford: Struggles, Ambitions, and the Road Ahead
Antony’s Form: A Struggle to Justify the Price Tag
When Manchester United splashed out £82 million for Antony in 2022, the expectation was clear: this was a player destined to make an indelible mark on English football. Yet, two years on, the Brazilian winger has been a shadow of what was hoped for. With just five goals and three assists in 54 Premier League appearances, Antony’s impact has been underwhelming, to say the least. He ended the previous season benched, an unused substitute in United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City—a stark contrast to the promise he showed at Ajax.
Life in the Favelas: Antony’s Unbreakable Roots
For Antony, however, football has always been about more than just statistics. The 24-year-old’s journey from the favelas of Sao Paulo to the grandeur of Old Trafford is a tale of survival, resilience, and a deep connection to his roots. “I’ll never let anyone else write my story or let people put me down,” Antony said in a interview with journalists, speaking in his native Portuguese. He carries the favelas with him, literally and figuratively, with the word tattooed on his back and engraved on his boots.
The harsh realities of his childhood—flooded homes, a lack of food, and the loss of friends to crime and violence—are scars that will never fade. “It’s not by chance I have the favela where I grew up tattooed across my back… The favela is always with me,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. Despite his newfound wealth, Antony regularly returns to the favelas, seeking to reconnect with the place that shaped him.
The Mental Toll: Antony’s Struggles Off the Pitch
As if the pressures on the pitch weren’t enough, Antony’s personal life has been marred by allegations of domestic abuse, which he strongly denies. These investigations in both Brazil and England have inevitably taken their toll on his form. “A lot happened over the year in my personal life. Like it or not, everything had an effect on the pitch,” Antony admitted. The winger is acutely aware that his performances have not met expectations, and he is determined to turn things around.
“I demand a lot of myself and obviously I was not satisfied with my season,” he stated. Antony’s candidness about his struggles offers a glimpse into the mental challenges that even top footballers face, particularly those who carry the weight of enormous transfer fees and personal tribulations.
Fighting for a Future at Manchester United
The upcoming season is critical for Antony, who faces fierce competition for his place in Erik ten Hag’s squad. With players like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho vying for starting roles, Antony’s future at Old Trafford is anything but secure. However, he remains undeterred, adopting a methodical approach to his improvement. Antony has started keeping handwritten notes after every game, detailing his objectives and areas for improvement. “I always set out objectives… I have to do it for every game and am doing it in training as well,” he explained.
This season represents a crossroads for Antony. Whether he can overcome the challenges and deliver the performances that justify his transfer fee remains to be seen. Yet, his story is far from finished, and if his past is any indicator, Antony will continue to fight—on and off the pitch.
