Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar has publicly called for head coach Ruben Amorim to reconsider the future of winger Antony at Old Trafford, suggesting the Brazilian deserves another opportunity to prove himself with the Red Devils. The former goalkeeper, who enjoyed a glittering six-year spell at United, winning four Premier League titles and a Champions League, believes Antony’s recent resurgence during a loan spell at Real Betis could be a turning point for the 25-year-old.
Antony, who joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 for a staggering £86 million, has struggled to live up to his hefty price tag. In 96 appearances for the club, he managed just 12 goals and five assists, failing to secure a consistent role under either Erik ten Hag or Amorim. His time at United was also marred by personal challenges, with the player admitting he contemplated retirement during his difficult stint. In January 2025, Antony was loaned to Real Betis, where he has undergone a remarkable revival, scoring 14 goals in 26 matches and earning a recall to the Brazil national team. His performances in La Liga have drawn praise, with Betis legend Joaquin jokingly suggesting he would “kidnap” Antony to keep him at the club.
Speaking to The Sun, Van der Sar expressed optimism about Antony’s potential to succeed at United if given another chance. “They’re on the right track by signing a more experienced striker, maybe with another one on the way,” he said. “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.” The Dutch icon’s comments come at a time when United are navigating a challenging 2024-25 Premier League season, languishing in 16th place with only 10 victories in 36 matches, marking their worst-ever finish in the competition’s history.
Antony’s loan spell at Betis has sparked debate about his future. Despite his success in Spain, where he played a starring role in Betis’ run to the Conference League final, the winger has expressed a desire to remain with the La Liga side, stating, “I love the club, the city, everything.” However, Van der Sar’s endorsement could prompt Amorim to reassess his plans for the player, whose contract with United runs until 2027. Speculation has also linked Antony with a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen, where former United boss Erik ten Hag is now in charge, adding further uncertainty to his next steps.
Van der Sar, who met Amorim several years ago during a UEFA Youth League match when the Portuguese coach was at Sporting CP, has also spoken positively about the current United manager. “I think he’s an open man, his humour is open, his English is good,” Van der Sar told Sky Sports. He believes Amorim’s tactical acumen and personality could help steer United back to success, provided the club offers patience and support. The former goalkeeper’s call for Antony’s reintegration aligns with his broader view that United’s ongoing project under Amorim requires time to flourish, despite the club’s struggles on the pitch.