Gary Neville criticises decision to sign Antony for £85m

Gary Neville has claimed that 'it was not a good decision' for Manchester United to sign Antony for £85.5million at the end of the 2021-22 season, claiming that the the Glazer family were responsible for the transfer, not Erik ten Hag.

His comments came after some took to social media to scrutinise the Brazilian's performance during United's 3-0 defeat by rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The 23-year-old came on in the 86th minute of the match, but with United down by three goals at this point, he largely failed to have an impact. Antony also received a yellow card for kicking out at Man City's Jeremy Doku, which Neville also called 'embarrassing' after the match.

His display brought criticism from some online, including Sunday Times journalist Jonathan Northcroft who claimed Anthony was 'not good enough to start' while also pointing out that he was 'Man United's second most expensive signing'.

In reply, Phil McNulty added 'Antony cost Manchester United £80million and no one can blame the Glazers for that. This one is on Ten Hag and United overpaid monstrously.'

Despite that, former United defender Neville, offered his view on those claims on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Man United's owners were in fact responsible for signing the Brazilian in August 2022 claiming that they had 'panicked'.

'Hi Phil,' he said in response. 'I get what you’re saying but if the kids ask for something on a continual basis and the parents keep writing the cheque who do you blame?

'Context on Antony. We’d just lost to Brighton and Brentford and the club was in reactive panic mode as per usual and sanctioned and said “Yes” to Casemiro and Antony.

'It’s all on the Glazers for complete panic and lack of leadership! They’ve done this for 10 years. CR7 [Cristiano Ronaldo] to City and panic. Alexis [Sanchez] to City and panic.

After having worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, Man United swooped in for the winger, who had scored 12 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions during the 2021-22 season for the Eredivisie side.

It came after United wrapped up the season, losing five of their final 10 matches, including their last two games, a 4-0 loss against Brighton and a 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.

Antony joined that summer alongside Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia with the quartet costing approximately £215.1m.

'Ajax couldn’t believe we’d offered that money [for Antony],' He added.

'Owners and Directors sanction deals. Now I agree Antony needs to do better but it was never a deal to do in those circumstances.'

Neville's comments come amid a storm of criticism that has been levelled against the Glazer family, as problems mount at the club from their form in the league, having won five of their first ten games, to the condition of Old Trafford's roof, which has been seen leaking in recent weeks.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has recently bought a minority stake in the club, also questioned the club's decision to buy Casemiro.

Antony, meanwhile, has made nine appearances in total but has failed to get on the scoresheet or provide an assist for the club.