Antony is failing to meet Erik ten Hag's target at Manchester United

When Antony scored his first Manchester United goal just 35 minutes into his debut in September 2022, a feeling of cautious optimism swept its way through Old Trafford.

The Brazilian, who had finalised his big-money move from Ajax just three days earlier, swept United into a 1-0 lead against Arsenal, who had arrived in M16 defending a 100 per cent record. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale could only watch as Antony raced away to celebrate, slamming and kissing the crest on his shirt.

If he had planned to make a telling impact the night before, that was the way to have done it. Unfortunately for him, though, goal celebrations in United colours have been few and far between.

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Almost 14 months on from his debut strike, the 23-year-old has only celebrated a goal of his own on seven more occasions, last scoring on April 16. He netted United's opener in a 2-0 away win over Nottingham Forest that day, before providing the assist for Diogo Dalot to double their lead in the second half.

At the time, following a barren run in front of goal, it was hoped that Antony's influence on the victory at the City Ground would be a turning point in his United career. Manager Erik ten Hag, who was so insistent on being reunited with him in England in his first summer at the club, challenged him to replicate similar exploits on a more frequent basis.

''I defended him but he knows, I know as well," said Ten Hag, speaking back in April. "When you are a striker you need end product, he already has it as he has scored in all competitions now, eight or nine goals, in his first year at