Ruben Amorim wants to find the old Ajax Antony by rebuilding the Brazilian's fragile confidence – if the winger is willing to keep working “very hard”.
Manchester United paid £86m for Antony in September 2022, arguably the worst signing in Premier League history. He has scored just once this injury-affected season – in the Carabao Cup at Barnsley – and has not found the net in the top flight since April 2023.
Amorin saw the best of Antony as his Sporting Lisbon side conceded nine goals in two defeats to Erik ten Hag's Ajax in the 2021/22 Champions League. He insists he can recreate that shape.
But with Marcus Rashford dropped, Alejandro Garnacho on the bench and Mason Mount injured, the ineffective Antony started the Carabao Cup defeat at Tottenham. And Manchester United only improved after Amorim's triple substitution in the 55th minute, with Amad Diallo replacing the Brazilian.
“He needs more confidence,” the Portuguese manager emphasized. “If you remember Antony who played at Ajax, he lacks a little bit of confidence to play one-on-one, but he will improve. He works very hard and tries and plays more inside than outside, especially in this game. He just has to do that. He has to work very hard and I will help him become a better player.”
Mount has also failed to justify his £55million price tag since joining in July 2023 and is now out for “several weeks” with a muscle injury. And Amorim expressed frustration that his latest setback – plus United's busy schedule – will delay his integration into his squad.
“What I can do is help Mase, teach him how to play our game when he is recovering,” he said. “Try to use that time for him to think about other things. I think the worst thing is that we don't have time to train as we should when you're recovering from a lot of injuries. It's really difficult for the player.” to be out for so long and he is trying very hard, just like Antony. If they try very hard, we will help them to the end.
Amorim recalled Garnacho to his Tottenham squad after a good training session, but Rashford stayed at home. Giving the England star time to sell him now appears to be the balancing act for the Old Trafford club as the new boss forges his team's new identity.
When asked if the England star is available for Bournemouth, the Old Trafford boss replied: Yes, of course. It's the same guys. Completely the same.”
Amorin has now lost three of his first eight games and lamented his side's ability to control Spurs play during a “chaotic” second half when they conceded two goals.
But the former Sporting boss was happier on the other side of the pitch. “I think we are improving near the opponent's area. We have some games where we are close to the box, but without any real threat. You could see different things today.”
Manchester United lost 0-3 at home to Bournemouth last season and lost 2-3 to Nottingham Forest in their last match at Old Trafford. “Yes, it was really difficult in the match against Nottingham,” Amorim said. “To lose that game the way we lost. I always look forward to hearing that song and playing with our fans and trying to bring some happiness into their lives.”
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