Under-fire Antony blasts ‘unfair and malicious’ criticism from ex-Man United duo

Antony believes that the criticism has crossed the line

Antony is the most expensive signing of the Erik ten Hag era - joining for £85m from Ajax in the summer of 2022 - and has been under intense scrutiny ever since.

Ten Hag is an admirer of the Brazilian, who has eight goals in 58 for the Red Devils, but the winger has struggled and is yet to register a goal or assist this season.

Man United legends heavily critical of Brazilian winger

His performances have drew criticism from Neville, Ferdinand and other who believe that he is not justifying his hefty price tag.

Back in October Neville said Antony was "embarrassing" for the way he kicked out at Manchester City's Jeremy Doku in the 3-0 derby day defeat while Ferdinand defended those who booed the winger in their last-minute win against Fulham in November.

Others have also questioned his performances. Paul Scholes labelled him as a "one trick pony" and Dimitar Berbatov told him to stop doing "stupid things on the pitch".

Antony hits back at doubters

Ahead of United's crunch game against Chelsea, the 23-year-old hit back at those who have doubted him.

"Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play," he told United fan channel The United Stand.

"But I've never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The 'digital court' is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters.

"I am silently rebuilding myself, and I know that I will be able to be in my best physical and mental shape and overcome all these barriers and challenges that are in front of me because it has always been like this in my life; no one has ever given me anything, I have always fought hard for everything I achieved! I would like to know how these people who make these unfair and malicious criticisms fared in my place."

Related links:

• Ten Hag accuses news outlets of ‘going behind’ Man Utd’s back
• Man United’s players question four of Erik ten Hag’s signings
• Nemanja Matic names two Man United players who always made team mates angry