Paul Merson names two Man City players that Antony can follow to succeed at Manchester United

Former Arsenal and England player Paul Merson is backing Antony to follow in the footsteps of Manchester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish and come good at Manchester United.

The Brazil international, who turned 23 last month, joined United from Dutch giants Ajax last summer in an eye-watering £85.5million deal. Reds manager Erik ten Hag had worked with the winger in the Netherlands and identified him as the ideal candidate to solve the club's long-term right-wing troubles.

However, despite scoring in all of his first three Premier League appearances for the club, the winger, who is not afraid to demonstrate his silky skills, has shown that he finds it difficult to find consistency. His performances have proven to be very hit-and-miss this season.

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Although that element has generated some concerns from United's supporters, many of whom believe the club paid over the odds to land the former Sao Paulo ace, Antony has shown that he has the potential to become a future star at Old Trafford. He scored his seventh goal of the season during Thursday night's 4-1 win over Real Betis in the Europa League, bending home a delicious left-footed effort.

United's fans and Ten Hag will now be hoping that he can kick on between now and the end of the campaign and offer a degree of consistency. And although that is currently missing from his game, Merson has high hopes that the Brazilian ace can flourish in United colours.

Merson, speaking to Sportskeeda, said: "As for Antony, he will take time. It will take him at least a season to truly come to his own.

"You've seen Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez take time. I look at Antony and I see a player there. I