When Antony signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2022, expectations were sky-high. A £86 million transfer, a reunion with Erik ten Hag, and the promise of Brazilian flair lighting up Old Trafford once again — everything seemed set for a new star to rise. But two years later, the winger’s story has turned into one of frustration, criticism, and, now, introspection.
In a rare and revealing interview, Antony has spoken openly about the emotional and psychological challenges he faced during his time at the club — shedding light on an experience that, in his own words, went far beyond what happened on the pitch.
“I think there was a lack of respect,” Antony said. “It even bordered on rudeness, because no one greeted you with a good morning or good afternoon — not even that.”
For many, this statement paints a picture of a player who didn’t just struggle with form but also with belonging — a human side often overlooked amid the noise of transfer fees and fan expectations.
A Price Tag That Became a Burden
When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax, he was one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers. Under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, he had dazzled with skill, pace, and directness. He was seen as the missing piece in United’s right flank — a technically gifted winger who could stretch defences and score goals from range.
However, life in the Premier League hit hard. The physicality, the pace, and the constant scrutiny from English media made adaptation difficult. Every misstep or misplaced pass was magnified, every missed chance turned into a headline.
Supporters began to question the massive fee United had paid. Pundits were unforgiving, labelling him inconsistent, one-dimensional, and lightweight for English football. For Antony, it became a mental battle as much as a footballing one.
“The things off the field affected me a lot,” he confessed. “And that also influenced my game.”
It’s a rare admission — one that highlights how psychological strain can ripple into performance. Antony wasn’t just struggling to adjust tactically; he was dealing with emotional detachment and a lack of connection in a high-pressure environment.
The Isolation Inside
Antony’s comments about “a lack of respect” go beyond simple politeness. For him, the issue seems to reflect a deeper cultural and interpersonal disconnect inside the dressing room.
At Ajax, he was part of a tight-knit group that played expressive football built on trust and communication. In Manchester, things were different. The locker room, already filled with personalities and politics, could be an intimidating space for a young foreign player under the microscope.
“It even bordered on rudeness,” Antony said. “Because no one greeted you with a good morning or good afternoon.”
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of Manchester United, small acts of camaraderie and warmth can make a huge difference. Antony’s description reveals a workplace where players often live in their own bubbles, where pressure outweighs unity, and where morale is dictated by results, not relationships.
For a player who thrives on emotion and connection, that atmosphere can feel cold. It’s not hard to imagine how it could slowly drain confidence — especially when criticism from the outside world feels constant and personal.
The Mental Toll
Behind the bright lights of Old Trafford, Antony’s struggles mirrored those of many young footballers who move abroad. The isolation, language barriers, and relentless scrutiny can take their toll — even more so in a club as demanding as Manchester United.
Sports psychologists often emphasize the importance of environment and emotional support in maximizing performance. Without that, even the most talented players can lose belief. Antony’s words reflect this truth. His frustrations weren’t just about tactics or opportunities; they were about feeling unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.
Former teammates at Ajax have spoken in the past about his vibrant personality — cheerful, expressive, and deeply passionate. In Manchester, fans saw glimpses of that joy early on, particularly after his spectacular debut goal against Arsenal. But as results dipped and pressure mounted, that spark faded.
He became a target for fans’ frustrations — his every spin, feint, or dribble mocked online. What many didn’t see was the emotional fatigue beneath the surface.
When Football Becomes a Mirror
In many ways, Antony’s words highlight a broader issue at Manchester United: the club’s fractured identity. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, United have often looked like a team built on individuals rather than unity. Managers have come and gone, philosophies have shifted, and players have rotated in and out — but the sense of belonging, the family atmosphere once associated with United, has eroded.
For Antony, arriving into that chaos must have been disorienting. At Ajax, every player understood their role in a system defined by clarity and togetherness. At United, confusion and inconsistency ruled.
Antony’s frustrations with “off-field issues” may also reflect the club’s instability — a revolving door of managers, tactical tweaks, and media pressure. Each time United stumbled, the spotlight on him intensified.
It’s easy to forget he was still only 22 when he joined, adapting to a new culture while representing one of the world’s most demanding clubs.
What His Words Mean for United
Antony’s honesty has sparked conversation among fans and analysts. Some argue it reveals the need for stronger dressing-room leadership and a healthier team culture. Others see it as an excuse from a player who didn’t meet expectations.
But his statements shouldn’t be dismissed as bitterness. They offer insight into the emotional realities behind elite sport. Footballers may earn millions, but they are still human — shaped by environment, trust, and connection.
United, as a club, can learn from this. Creating a culture of respect, communication, and inclusion isn’t a luxury — it’s essential to getting the best from players. Especially in a team filled with young international talents, emotional integration must go hand in hand with tactical instruction.
A Lesson in Humanity
Antony’s story is a reminder that success in football isn’t only about technique or tactics — it’s also about human chemistry. Respect, empathy, and genuine connection can transform performances. Without them, even the most gifted talents can fade into frustration.
His reflections may sting for Manchester United fans, but they also hold truth. The club once prided itself on being more than a team — it was a family. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, players often spoke about the sense of unity and belonging that drove their hunger to win. Somewhere along the line, that has been lost.
For Antony, the experience became a hard lesson in resilience. He has had to confront criticism, loneliness, and disappointment — but also, perhaps, rediscover his identity beyond the expectations placed upon him.
Final Thoughts
Antony’s words — “there was a lack of respect” — will echo across the football world. To some, they may sound like a complaint. To others, they reveal a deeper truth about the modern game and the emotional cost of playing under relentless pressure.
His time at Manchester United may not have gone as planned, but his candour adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about what’s truly wrong at Old Trafford.
Football isn’t just played on the pitch; it’s lived in the spaces between — in the dressing room, the training ground, and the relationships that build trust. Antony’s story is a reminder that even the brightest talents can dim without the warmth of respect and connection.
