Is Antony Santos's situation hard luck or bad business for Manchester United

For the kid born in Osasco, Brazil, Antony Matheus dos Santos has truly come a long way to the Theatre of Dreams with the football world at his feet after his big-money move last summer from Ajax Amsterdam to Manchester United, the most successful club in Premier League history.

The 23-year-old started out from the youth academy in Sao Paulo as far back as 2010 before breaking into the first time season at the Brazilian club in 2018 where he went on to score four times in 37 league appearances. Ajax snatched him up two years after for a combined 18 million euros in 2020.

He built a reputable career on the wings for Ajax chipping in 24 league goals from 82 appearances at the club before pushing hard for a summer move to Manchester United after his former manager at Ajax, Erik Ten Hag came calling from Manchester United to be reunited.

Manchester United pressed hard for his transfer and eventually got their man for a club-record 95 million euros and an additional five million euros in add-ons. His transfer generated a host of reactions, with a major focus on his output as a player prior to the big move.

Has Antony justified the big summer move?

So far, Antony has played 33 games of Manchester United this season with nine goals and three assists. His performance hasn't been convincing enough with just flashes of brilliance from the majority of his game time as well as low returns in-game contributions, which is causing more concern for United fans. Ten Hag has consistently bagged him to showcase his ability and gradually ease any doubts about him.