'Waste of money'- ex-Premier League club owner slams Man United winger for bringing headlines not goals

'Waste of money'- ex-Premier League club owner slams Man United winger for bringing headlines not goals

Eric Munene 14:55 - 18.09.2024

Simon Jordan has weighed in on Manchester United's winger contribution since joining the reds for 82 million pounds

During a recent fiery interview with talkSPORT, former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan didn’t hold back in his criticism of Manchester United winger Antony, calling him a ‘waste of money’ and questioning what the Brazilian has truly brought to the club since his £82 million move from Ajax in 2022.

Earlier this month Simon Jordan opened up about his worst signing as chairman of Crystal Palace, saying he would have bought a boat instead of Nigerian striker Ade Akinbiyi.

Despite having an impressive track record at Ajax, where he scored 24 goals and made 22 assists in 82 appearances, Antony has struggled to replicate that form at Old Trafford.

In his first two seasons, he managed only five Premier League goals and has yet to start a league match this season. Though he did score in a recent 7-0 FA Cup rout against Barnsley, Jordan dismissed this as insignificant.

“Antony has brought nothing to Manchester United beside headlines,” Jordan asserted. “If he were a £25 million player, there’d be less noise around it. But at £82 million, you have to ask why the manager signed him, especially when he knew him from Ajax.”

In contrast to Jordan's scathing assessment, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended Antony's potential following the EFL Cup round three victory.

Ten Hag praised the winger for his hard work in training and highlighted his desire to fight for his place in the squad. “He fought for his place and showed he wants to be with us. His performance against Barnsley was a good sign,” Ten Hag stated confidently.

As Manchester United prepare for their upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the contrast between Jordan’s harsh criticism and Ten Hag’s supportive stance raises questions about Antony's future.

Will the Brazilian finally deliver the impact expected of him, or will he continue to struggle under the weight of expectation? Only time will tell as United fans hope to see their hefty investment aim to give dividens.