KEY POINTS

  • Antony moved from Ajax to Manchester United this summer
  • He has netted 2 goals in 2 league games for Man Utd
  • Man Utd's next game is against Omonia in the Europa League

Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Antony for his role in the Manchester derby last week in the Premier League. Manchester City defeated Manchester United 6-3 at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Van der Vaart, who closely followed Antony's career at Ajax, insisted he would be frustrated as one of the Brazilian forward's teammates due to his habit of holding onto the ball for too long.

Antony moved from Ajax to Manchester United this summer at $96 million and made a positive start to his life in the Premier League since scoring his debut goal for the Old Trafford side against Arsenal.

When Antony scored for Manchester United, a left-footed effort from range past City goalkeeper Ederson, his side was already 4-0 down at Etihad. Speaking about Antony's performance in the derby match, Van der Vaart said it "would annoy the hell out of me."

The 22-year-old right-winger received major criticism for his inability to help Diogo Dalot with defending Manchester United's right side.

While Antony scored and Anthony Martial clinched a late brace, Manchester City's Phil Foden and Erling Haaland were enough to seal the game for the hosts with their hat-tricks each.

Manchester United made Antony the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history at 95 million euros
Antony moved from Ajax to Manchester United in the 2022 summer

"Have you seen Antony play today? He scored a world-class goal. But with every pass he received, he kept holding the ball underneath his feet while being 4-0 down. That would annoy the hell out of me," Van der Vaart told Dutch TV station NOS, according to talkSport.

The goal against Manchester City was Antony's second for the Red Devils in as many games.

With their latest loss in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag's side has now dropped to sixth place in the table with 12 points. Manchester United's upcoming fixture is against Cypriot club Omonia in the Europa League on Wednesday.

Following this, Manchester United are due to travel to Merseyside to take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are the only side to not have recorded a single loss in the underway season of the Premier League. Their summer signing Haaland is enjoying a fine start to his life in Manchester. He has already netted 17 goals in 11 games across all competitions, out of which, 14 goals have come in the Premier League in eight games and he has also provided three assists in the English top-flight.