Anthony Elanga has backed Antony to eventually succeed at Manchester United because of his “great” skills and “beautiful” demeanor.
The Brazilian’s presence at Old Trafford curtailed the Nottingham Forest winger’s playing opportunities, and he was transferred out of the team the following season.
After a dull debut season, Antony sank even lower this season, contributing just two goals, both of which came in an FA Cup victory over League Two Newport County.
The Brazilian has faced issues at Old Trafford, on and off the pitch. Since his expensive move from Ajax, he hasn’t been able to find his best form and show consistent performances.
That hasn’t changed Elanga’s opinion of his former teammate, though, as he still thinks the player will prosper for the Red Devils in the future.
‘Antony is a great player and a beautiful person.’ The Swedish forward told SoccerNews.nl. ‘We had a lot of contact when I was at United, and we still talk sometimes now.
‘I am confident that he will score a lot of goals there. I could already see that during the training sessions.
‘I believe in God, and he told me to go to Nottingham, and Antony is still at United. But he will really be successful there.’
Amidst speculation at the time that the manager had driven him out of the team, Elanga also discussed his choice to quit United and reaffirmed that he had no animosity towards Ten Hag.
‘Was Ten Hag the reason I left United? No, I wouldn’t say that.’ He added. ‘I just wanted to play, that was especially important to me.
‘I’m young and I don’t want to sit on the bench all season, you know? When you’re young you want to play, you want to make mistakes, you want to take risks.
‘But he wasn’t the reason for my leaving. There I mainly focused on myself, not on others.’
Antony needs to perform consistently to turnaround his United career. The Brazilian star was linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January, with the Saudi Pro League being mentioned as his next destination.
The club might cash in on him if he is unable to show his best form in the coming months, with a lot of changes expected at the club in the summer under new part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
