Antony moment vs Everton shows Manchester United were right about transfer decision

Erling Haaland has tormented Manchester United already this season, but even the Premier League's goalscoring machine didn't score in his first three appearances in the competition, a feat achieved for the first time in red by Antony.

The £85million winger's start to life at Old Trafford has been pockmarked by the odd brilliant moment and some inconsistency, perhaps to be expected from a 22-year-old whose experience in European football amounts to two seasons in the Eredivisie.

What he does possess, however, is a finisher's instinct and all three of his Premier League goals have been superbly taken. He won't be competing against Haaland for the golden boot, but he looks capable of keeping United in healthy supply this season

There were 25 goals in 82 games for Ajax but the step up to the Premier League has caught out many an Eredivisie talent. United made him the most expensive ever export from the Dutch league and were essentially held to ransom by Ajax during a summer-long pursuit, but any fears over his price tag are beginning to dissipate already.

There is certainly improvement to come from Antony. He can be a little over-indulgent at times and drifts from games at times. During United's win in Chisinau before the international break one Mancunian voice shouted up towards the end "you're an £80million player Antony, do summat".

He was quite that night and fairly poor in Cyprus on Thursday, but in the Premier League he is doing something. Goals against Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton in his first three games is an excellent start.

Having finished with ice in his veins against the Gunners and rifled in a brilliant curling effort at the Etihad a week ago, there was little doubt about the outcome as he bore down on Jordan Pickford's goal at Goodison Park. He opened his body up and clipped that already familiar left-footed finish into the far corner.

It was the perfect response to United falling behind inside five minutes to Alex Iwobi's smart finish. Erik ten Hag's side had the lead by half-time and that both goals came within a few seconds of them actually carelessly giving the ball away summed the contest up.

This was not a match of high quality. The carelessness on display from both sides was fitting of a kick-off time that the Premier League should be giving short shrift to. Sunday night at 7pm is a time to be seeing the weekend off, not starting a match. This was never going to be the encore to the entertainment summed up at the Emirates a couple of hours earlier.

United had the better off it, however, passing a test of character having spent Thursday night in Cyprus. The Mediterranean island is a near five-hour flight from Manchester and all 11 of these players were involved in Nicosia while Everton's squad had their feet up.

They didn't look to have a physical advantage and United's response to going behind was their best of the season. Antony's moment of class to draw them level within 10 minutes of going behind was deserved. Just before half-time Casemiro showed his quality, releasing Cristiano Ronaldo for his 700th club goal.

Antony flickered again in the second half. One teasing left-footed cross really deserved to be finish, but just evaded those attacking the box.

Ten Hag's hit-rate with his summer signings is looking promising so far. Antony clearly has the potential to be a superstar, Lisandro Martinez is already a cult hero and Christian Eriksen has started every game.

There was also promise in Casemiro's display at Goodison, despite his early error, and Tyrell Malacia has shown plenty of character, even if he's struggled this week and has lost his place in the side.

Antony was probably the signing that Ten Hag has staked his reputation on more than any other, however, so seeing the winger enter the Old Trafford record books already is a significant boost. Now he just needs to score in his next four Premier League games to match Haaland's current streak.