Manchester United manager Eric ten Haag has praised Anthony.
“Ten Haar has given Anthony a new challenge,” soccer media outlet Tribuna reported on June 6 (KST).
At a pre-match press conference ahead of the 33rd round of the English Premier League (PL) against Liverpool on July 7, Ten Haag praised Anthony for his assist against Chelsea in the 31st round. Against Chelsea, Anthony assisted Alejandro Garnacho’s goal in the 22nd minute with a fantastic outside cross.
“I know he can do it,” Mourinho said, “I saw it a lot when I was manager of Ajax, but it’s the first time (since joining United). “Maybe I saw a glimpse of it when he scored three goals in his first three games (at United),” he said.
“But after that, it was just fluky goals, but Anthony can do it. Against Chelsea, I saw the Anthony I want to see,” he praised.
Anthony joined United ahead of last season. The player was a favorite of Van Gaal when he was in charge of Ajax, and the club wanted to sign him. United spent a whopping €95 million ($139.2 million) on Anthony.
So far, it’s been more of a failed signing. Last season, Anthony scored eight goals and provided three assists in 44 appearances. Considering the huge transfer fee, his offensive output was disappointing. His performances weren’t great either.
This season, his form has been extremely poor. He was investigated for assaulting his ex-girlfriend at the beginning of the season and hasn”t been able to recover his form since. Anthony has two goals and two assists in 32 appearances this season.
One goal and one assist came against fourth division Newport County in the English FA Cup. After the game, Goal.com called it a “paradoxical 안전놀이터 performance” and criticized him for being “clumsy and inefficient throughout the game, despite scoring a goal and assist.”
Nevertheless, Ten Haag has remained supportive of Anthony. “I’ve been supporting him for a long time,” he said in February. I know what he’s capable of. He’s got great ability. He’s unstoppable. He’s the fastest player in the first 10 yards (about 9.14 meters). No defender can stop him,” he said.
Fortunately, his form has been improving of late. He scored the dramatic equalizer in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool. He also provided an assist against Chelsea last time out. However, considering his transfer fee and his performances so far, he still has a long way to go.