Paul Scholes has been impressed by Antony’s recent performances (Picture: BT Sport)
Paul Scholes has backed divisive Manchester United winger Antony to be a ‘huge player’ for the Red Devils over the next few years.
Antony appeared to take a while to adapt to his new surroundings following an £82m move from Ajax last summer.
Several pundits have questioned whether the Brazilian has a long-term future at Old Trafford, but Antony has look a ‘different player’ recently, according to Scholes.
The United legend says Antony has ‘started to look like the player we all expected’ and believes he will emerge as a key member of Erik ten Hag’s squad for the next couple of seasons at least.
‘It took some convincing from me, especially after the start of the season, but I think since that Everton game at home [on April 8] he has become a different player,’ Scholes said on BT Sport before Manchester United’s Europa League defeat to Sevilla.
‘I felt he became a bit predictable, always coming in on his left foot and 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.
Manchester United spent more than £80m on the Brazilian winger (Picture: Getty)
‘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.
‘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.
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‘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.’
Antony played 90 minutes against Sevilla but was unable to prevent Manchester United from slipping to a 3-0 defeat and crashing out of the Europa League.
The Red Devils will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face in-form Brighton in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
MORE : Sevilla boss aims dig at Manchester United after Europa League win
MORE : Jamie Carragher defends Antony and digs out Man Utd team-mate
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‘He can be a huge player for this club.’