Antony’s underwhelming performances at Manchester United have raised questions about his status as one of the club’s worst signings, if not the worst, in terms of value for money in the modern Premier League era. This has led to suggestions that the Eredivisie, where Antony previously played for Ajax, should be avoided as a source of talent.

However, it is important to remember that Manchester United has also had successful signings from the Eredivisie, such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is widely regarded as one of the finest goalscorers in the club’s recent history. Additionally, players like Lisandro Martinez, who joined from Ajax in 2022, have impressed and exceeded expectations.

The Eredivisie has produced a plethora of talented players who have excelled at Manchester United and beyond, including Arjen Robben, Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp, and Edwin van der Sar. Therefore, Antony’s struggles at Old Trafford may be more indicative of the recruitment strategy during the Glazer era rather than a reflection of the overall talent in the Dutch top-flight.

When comparing Antony to other potential wingers, such as Johan Bakayoko, who has been in exceptional form for PSV Eindhoven with impressive goal and assist statistics, it becomes evident that Bakayoko could be a more worthwhile investment considering his superior performances. Bakayoko’s contributions have played a significant role in PSV Eindhoven’s recent Eredivisie triumph, whereas Antony failed to reach double figures in goals or assists during his last season in the Dutch league.

In light of these considerations, there is a strong argument for Manchester United to pursue alternatives to Antony, with players like Johan Bakayoko presenting a more compelling case and justifying the substantial transfer fees involved.