A number of players are using October as a platform to launch selection bids for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Manchester United’s Antony is no different.
United’s summer signing from Ajax has 11 caps to his name since making his senior debut for Brazil against Venezuela in 2021. He’s yet to really nail down a regular place in the national starting XI, but a positive start to his career in England could change all that.
Bright Start
Antony arrived at Old Trafford towards the end of the summer transfer window in a deal believed to be worth £67 million. That’s a significant price tag and one that was seen as a huge gamble on behalf of the club.
United manager Erik Ten Hag had worked with his former player at Ajax, so he knew of Antony’s potential. Scoring goals wasn’t his main responsibility in the Dutch Eredivisie but, while employed on the wing, he’d enjoyed some respectable returns.
It all started brightly enough for the new signing with three goals in his opening three league matches. While his overall return of three in ten, across all competitions, puts things in greater perspective, it’s a decent start and one that should cement Antony’s place on the plane to Qatar.
Personal and Team Targets in Qatar
When he arrives at the World Cup, Antony will have two distinct targets. He is looking to assist Brazil in their quest for a sixth trophy, while he has an outside chance of landing the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading goal scorer.
The first option seems more likely: Brazil are favourites to win their first world title since 2002 and they are clear of a chasing pack that includes France, England and Argentina.
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In summary, it’s the site to follow for any type of World Cup bet, but will the form of Antony drive Brazil to that elusive sixth win?
Does Antony Make the Starting XI?
One factor in Antony’s favour is the injury to his international teammate Richarlison. Initial reports suggested that the calf problem incurred by the Spurs player might affect his chances of making the World Cup, but recent suggestions are more positive.
Nobody would want to take advantage of another player’s misfortune, but this could secure Antony’s place in Brazil’s starting XI. The two men are different players but their roles are essentially the same.
Behind the main striker, who is likely to be the prolific Neymar, there is a need for a key player to create chances and make important scoring contributions of their own. It could be the case that Richarlison and Antony are fighting for one place, depending on how coach Tite wants to set his team up.
Brazil have another solid striker in their ranks. Gabriel Jesus was on the books at Manchester City and has enjoyed a productive start to the new campaign after his summer move to Arsenal.
There is the option for all-out attack with Jesus, Neymar, Richarlison and Antony in the same starting XI. It sounds a little like fantasy football but, if goals are needed, Brazil have some of the best in the business.
Antony should certainly play a big role. It’s been a positive start to his Manchester United career, and one that should help him become a regular for Brazil moving forward.
