Two things Antony needs to improve to 'become a hell of a player' - Neville

Suraj Radia

• 17 Apr 2023 17:36 BST
• 2 min read

Former Manchester United favourite Gary Neville believes Antony is two steps away from becoming ‘a hell of a player’ after his impressive performance against Nottingham Forest.

Antony grabbed his first Premier League goal contributions against Forest since netting in his first three games for United, scoring the opener before setting up Diogo Dalot in a 2-0 win.

The Brazilian has been inconsistent since his £81 million move last summer despite grabbing eight goals in all competitions but Neville believes Antony has the potential to succeed if he improves his output and decision making on a regular basis.

"He has looked frustrating at times but with someone like him, you just need to persist with him," said Neville on Sky Sports. "Obviously they have paid a lot of money, so they will.

"If he can gain consistency to his game and his decision-making in the final third can become a little bit more refined, he becomes a hell of a player.

"In the first half he was frustrating, but in the second half he scored a goal, he assisted, he had a couple of shots just past the post. He is dangerous and he always wants the ball.

"It is just someone senior in the dressing room having a word with him and making sure he is releasing the ball at the right time and seeing the position of a team-mate when they can do better than he can."

Antony highlights United’s goal-shy season

Antony’s performance against Forest was a welcome return to form for the 23-year-old, having gone 14 games without a Premier League goal or assist.

United have struggled for a regular source of quality in attack this season in the absence of Marcus Rashford, who has missed the last two games with injury.

Wout Weghorst has started the last three matches on the bench after a run of 19 stars in a row, having only scored twice in that period, with his replacement Anthony Martial grabbing a goal and assist since being brought into the line-up.

However, only one of the other top nine sides in the Premier League have scored less goals than United this season and the club are desperate to splash the cash on an elite striker this summer.

Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos are among the names believed to feature high on United’s shortlist but a lot could hinge on whether the Red Devils can hold onto their top four place and qualify for next season’s Champions League.