'Dumb money' - Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted at his true thoughts on Manchester United winger Antony

Speaking in 2019, Ratcliffe famously described the singing of Fred for £50m as 'dumb money'.

When the recorder is switched off, Ratcliffe probably uses more colourful language to describe such signings, but Fred is far from the worst player United have ever bought.

Alexis Sanchez must be in the conversation for the worst transfer of all time at Old Trafford considering he was the highest-paid player in the Premier League, although Antony is currently vying for that unwanted title and could steal it by the time he leaves the club.

Antony was signed in a deal worth £86m from Ajax in Erik ten Hag's first summer in charge and could be remembered as the pound-for-pound worst value-for-money signing.

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The most optimistic fan would suggest Antony could still turn around his United career, but he would have to drastically improve and it's difficult to see him getting back into the team.

Antony has the same amount of unused substitute appearances (three) this season as he scored goals in 2023/24 and his only cameo came against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

The 24-year-old has slipped down the pecking order and is firmly behind Alejandro Garnacho and Amad, who have battled to start on the right wing at the beginning of the season.

Both of those players offer more than Antony on the right side. They are more of a goal threat, they are more direct and create more opportunities, despite having less experience, which points toward the Brazilian becoming accustomed to sitting on the bench this season.

After a disappointing two years, it always felt like this season could be