Paul Scholes names ‘silly’ Man Utd man who can become ‘huge’ star and lead Ten Hag to glory

James Marshment 23 Apr 2023 8:40 AM

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes feels the club will soon start to see the best from an often criticised summer signing – and believes he will help lead the club’s bright new era under Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch boss has overseen some major improvements during his first season in charge. Not afraid of making some tough decisions, he has allowed several big names to depart the club, including Paul Pogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

And after shelling out over £200m on new players last summer, the club has already ended their six-year trophy wait in the Carabao Cup.

They could yet add more silverware in the FA Cup and they will hope to reach the final later on Sunday when they meet Brighton at Wembley in the semi-finals.

Ten Hag will, however, be already turning his focus towards their summer recruitment. And with 15 players tipped to leave in another major clearout, more major changes appear to be on the way.

However, one man that will avoid the cull is Brazilian winger Antony. He is second on the club’s all-time record signings list, with Ten Hag convincing United to shell out a whopping £85m on his signing from Ajax.

His performances though – and especially his tendancy to do tricks with the ball – have come in for some criticism. And while he has just eight goals and one assist to his name so far, plenty feel he is yet to prove his worth to the club.

Scholes, though is convinced that good times are just around the corner for Antony.

Man Utd star Antony ready to become huge star for Ten Hag

And the United legend is backing the Brazilian to come good and enjoy an even better second season at Old Trafford.

“It took some convincing from me, especially after the start of the season,” Scholes told BT Sport. “But I think since that Everton game at home [on April 8] he has become a different player.

“I felt he became a bit predictable, always coming in on his left foot. He needed to add different dimensions to his game and I think in the Everton game he did that.

“He started to run in behind Ben Godfrey, he did it two or three times and was clean through on goal but didn’t quite get the goal.

“He started to beat people on the outside and now his confidence is there and he’s starting to look like the player we all expected.”

Scholes believes Antony will likely still do ‘silly stuff’ on the field, but those antics will become forgiveable if he starts producing the goods.

“He’s still going to do his silly stuff but we don’t mind that if he’s producing stuff like this, producing goals and a pass for Dalot [against Forest].

“He needs more of those goals, he needs to get himself in the box and he will score a lot of goals in this team in the next couple of years.

“He’s 22 years of age, Brazilian lad, has come from a different country. It was going to take him a bit of time to settle in but now – ok, we’re coming to the end of the season – but in the next couple of years he could be a huge player for this club.”

Manchester United Paul Scholes Antony