Reflecting on Wolves’ return to form in the Premier League, Paul Ince claims he would rather see his former club Manchester United lining up with Pedro Neto rather than Antony.
Antony, 23, has been subject to lots of criticism since his mega-money transfer from Ajax in 2022. It would be fair to say his form has been underwhelming, but there has also been issues off the pitch that he has had to deal with.
Ince told instantcasino.com via the Manchester Evening News: “We’re past that time now when Wolves would just exclusively buy Portuguese player and it looks like they’re getting some very good signings in. Having said that – I love Pedro Neto. I think if Wolves want to progress and move forward in the next two or three years, they need to keep players like him.
“I know he’s been out injured but I stated two or three years ago that he’s a top-four player, if you look at him compared to someone like Antony, you’d take Neto all day long. Maybe Antony needs more time to settle in, but Neto is a fantastic player and he showed that against Brighton yesterday. Losing him will be a worry for Wolves in the future.”
Earlier this month, Erik ten Hag spoke about Antony and where he feels it has all gone wrong for the winger this season. He told reporters, as quoted by Sky Sports: “I think it’s very simple. I think his off-field issues stop him playing. I think first year was OK and I think in the pre-season he was very OK. First four games were very good.”
Antony needs to get back to his best, but we’ve not seen him at that level in a United shirt. When will it click? Will it ever?
The Brazilian’s lack of end product on the pitch has become frustrating, but at 23-year-old it is important to remember that he is still a young player trying to adapt to the English game.
It remains to be seen if Antony will start for United against Newport County on Sunday.
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