Man Utd given Zirkzee warning after Ten Hag falls into Antony ‘trap’

Updated: 18 Sept 2024 11:06 BST
4 min read

Joshua Zirkzee, Antony, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United attacker Joshua Zirkzee has made a promising start to life at Old Trafford, but according to one expert, judgment should be reserved on his performances in the light of Antony’s failed move to Old Trafford.

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Zirkzee has scored one goal in five appearances for Man Utd following a €42.5 million move from Bologna in the summer, but because of Ten Hag’s other signings, fans have been told not to get carried away with some promising displays.

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In particular, the deal that brought Antony to the club for €95m in 2022 has come under scrutiny, with the manager accused of falling into the “usual trap” having signed the Brazilian. It was a deal that made the 24-year-old one of the most expensive players in the history of the Old Trafford club.

He has spectacularly failed to live up to this billing, last season mustering just three goals and two assists in all competitions.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€21M - €35M

’Antony thought he was a baller’

Although the former Ajax star was on target against Barnsley in the EFL Cup, he has received a dose of reality in the Premier League, according to Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.

“Erik ten hag is praying it will still happen because on his advice, so much money was spent on this player,” Van der Kraan told talkSPORT.

“It’s the usual trap that Dutch coaches fall for when they go to England, they’ve seen players in the Netherlands that have done alright.

“Antony came from Brazil, joined Ajax and in Brazil he was a big talent. He comes to the Eredivisie which is not on the same level.

STATS

38

Games
3

Goals
2

Assists

“He thought he was a real baller in the Eredivisie. Yes, you are against the likes of Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles.

“You only play three or four big games in a season and yes he did light the stadium up a few times in the big games but it’s not a consistent period.

“Then he came to England and thought: ‘Oh hang on, I’m facing really tough opponents.’

“If Antony’s level of playing has gone down to the Carabao Cup against Barnsley, then that is not the sort of line you want to take in your career when you move for so much money.”

Man Utd given Zirkzee warning

In light of Antony’s struggles, doubts have been cast on Zirkzee’s ability to settle into life at Man Utd.

“He's been at five or six clubs in the early stages of his career, if you’re a really big talent you'll stay with one,” said Van der Kraan.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€26.5M - €44.2M

“At Bologna, he was very good but this is Manchester United. We have to watch this boy and we have to watch all of Erik’s boys over longer periods.

“With the experience Erik has had with Antony and some of the other boys, you think: ‘Should he have been more careful with buying players from the Eredivisie knowing how tough the others have had it?’

“If Zirkzee does not get the goals and the brilliant performances then it’s going to be a really difficult season for Ten Hag.”

Read more about: Serie A, Eredivisie, Premier League, Ajax, Bologna, Man Utd, Antony, Joshua Zirkzee