- Man United legend Edwin Van der Sar has told the club to keep winger Antony
- The Brazilian was rejuvenated after a hugely impressive loan spell at Real Betis
- LISTEN: Was ‘Fergie Time’ real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail’s brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers
Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has called on the club to offer flop Antony another chance at life at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old has struggled at United and failed to live up to the £86million fee the Red Devils paid Ajax for his services in 2022, providing just 12 goals and five assists in 96 games.
He also endured a torrid time on a personal level and even revealed that he considered retirement while at the club.
Antony is contracted until 2027 but was unable to fit in under either Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim and was duly sent out on loan in January.
However, at Real Betis the Brazilian was rejuvenated, and went on to become one of the club’s stars of the second half of the season.
He scored 14 times in 26 games in just five months with Betis and earned rave reviews from fans and players alike as he earned a recall to the Brazil national team.
Antony struggled at Man United and failed to live up to the £86million fee the Red Devils paid
Antony was unable to fit in under either Ten Hag or Amorim and was sent out on loan to Betis
Antony impressed at Real Betis and was even handed a return to the Brazilian national team
Van der Sar, who won four Premier League titles and the Champions League in his six-year stint at Old Trafford, believes his former side should give the winger a second chance at proving himself.
‘They’re on the right track by signing a more experienced striker, maybe with another one on the way,’ he told The Sun.
‘The two players they signed in the winter break were good, so they should be fine if they give faith to the manager.
‘Maybe [Alejandro] Garnacho’s going to go, I would say bring Antony back, but I’m not sure if that’s realistic.’
Antony’s performances at Betis even led club legend Joaquin to joke that he would kidnap the forward to keep him at the club.
Despite Van der Sar’s suggestion, a return to United appears unlikely for Antony.
After returning to the Brazil squad, he admitted he ‘hit rock’ bottom at United.
‘I started to doubt, even in myself,’ he said. ‘But, my family always told me to stay calm, because the process is painful and people must accept it. Today, I understand it better after everything I went through. I am grateful for that experience.
Antony starred for Real Betis but was unable to prevent a Conference League defeat to Chelsea
United legend Edwin van der Sar believes that United should give the winger a second chance
‘I was hitting rock bottom without any hope, despite continuing to do my part for the club.
Antony has been widely tipped to leave the club this summer, having joined in Ten Hag’s first transfer window for £86m, and has so far failed to deliver on that price tag.
