When discussing modern football wingers, the question “how many goals does Antony have” frequently emerges among fans and analysts. Antony Matheus dos Santos, the Brazilian winger who has captured attention across European football, presents an interesting case study in contemporary attacking play. His goal-scoring record spans multiple clubs and competitions, offering insights into his development as a professional footballer.
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Antony’s Goal Tally at Manchester United
Antony has scored 5 goals for Man United in the Premier League in his career. However, this figure represents only his Premier League contributions. When examining his complete Manchester United record, the picture becomes more comprehensive. Since joining the Red Devils from Ajax in 2022, Antony has faced the challenge of adapting to English football while maintaining his goal-scoring threat.
The Brazilian winger’s scoring record at Old Trafford has been subject to scrutiny, particularly given the substantial transfer fee Manchester United paid for his services. His goals have come in crucial moments, including memorable strikes against top-tier opposition that demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Career Goals Before Manchester United
Before his move to Manchester United, Antony established himself as a consistent goal threat at Ajax. Antony scored 25 goals in 82 club appearances for Ajax since joining, under Ten Hag’s reign, from Sao Paolo in 2020. This statistic highlights his productivity in the Eredivisie, where he developed into one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
During his time in Amsterdam, Antony’s goal-scoring ability flourished under Erik ten Hag’s tactical system. He ended the campaign with 12 goals and 10 assists, as Ajax retained their Eredivisie title. This particular season showcased his dual threat as both a goal scorer and creator, demonstrating the versatility that made him an attractive proposition for top European clubs.
International Goal Record
Antony’s international career with Brazil adds another dimension to his goal-scoring profile. He also has two goals and two assists in nine senior appearances for Brazil. While his international goal tally remains modest, it reflects the competitive nature of securing regular playing time for the Brazilian national team, given the wealth of attacking talent at their disposal.
His international goals have come in significant contexts, contributing to Brazil’s campaigns in major tournaments and friendly matches. These strikes on the international stage demonstrate his ability to translate club form into national team success.
Recent Performance and Goal Drought
Antony’s recent goal-scoring form has been a topic of considerable discussion. After experiencing a prolonged goal drought at Old Trafford, he managed to break his scoring duck in a memorable fashion. After not being able to score at Old Trafford for over a year, Antony ended his goal drought on 17 March 2024, scoring in a 4–3 victory against arch rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter finals.
This goal against Liverpool was particularly significant, not only for ending his lengthy wait for a home goal but also for coming in one of football’s most intense rivalries. The strike demonstrated his mental resilience and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Playing Style and Goal-Scoring Approach
Understanding how many goals Antony has scored requires examining his playing style and approach to finding the net. As a right winger who predominantly cuts inside onto his left foot, Antony creates scoring opportunities through his dribbling ability and precise shooting technique. His goals often come from intelligent positioning in and around the penalty area, where he can exploit spaces created by his movement.
The Brazilian’s goal-scoring technique varies from powerful drives from the edge of the box to more delicate finishes when presented with one-on-one opportunities. His versatility in finding different ways to score has been evident throughout his career, from his early days at São Paulo through his successful stint at Ajax to his current challenge at Manchester United.
Statistical Analysis and Context
When analyzing Antony’s goal statistics, context becomes crucial. Modern wingers are often evaluated not just on goals scored but on their overall contribution to team play, including assists, key passes, and defensive work. While his goal tally might seem modest compared to some contemporary wingers, his overall impact extends beyond just finding the net.
The evolution of the winger position in modern football means players like Antony are expected to contribute across multiple phases of play. His goal statistics should be viewed alongside his assist numbers, chances created, and tactical discipline within team structures.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
On 25 January 2025, Antony was loaned out to La Liga club Real Betis, marking a new chapter in his goal-scoring journey. This move presents an opportunity for the Brazilian to rediscover his scoring form in a different league environment.
The loan move to Real Betis could prove pivotal in revitalizing Antony’s goal-scoring statistics. Spanish football’s technical nature and emphasis on creative play might suit his skill set, potentially leading to improved goal-scoring numbers.
Impact on Team Success
Antony’s goals have often come at crucial moments for his teams. On 23 February 2023, Antony scored the winner in a 2–1 Europa League playoff match, coming on as a substitute at half-time, over Barcelona, a day before his 23rd birthday. Such goals demonstrate the importance of his contributions beyond mere statistical accumulation.
His ability to score important goals in knockout competitions and against strong opposition highlights his value as a clutch performer. These moments often define a player’s legacy more than overall goal tallies.
Comparison with Contemporary Wingers
When examining how many goals Antony has scored, comparisons with other wingers of his generation provide valuable context. Modern wingers operate in systems that prioritize different aspects of play, making direct comparisons challenging but illuminating nonetheless.
The contemporary game demands wingers who can contribute goals while also providing width, defensive stability, and creative spark. Antony’s goal record should be evaluated within this broader framework of modern wing play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many total goals has Antony scored in his professional career? A: Antony has scored goals across multiple clubs and competitions. At Ajax, he netted 25 goals in 82 appearances, while at Manchester United, he has scored 5 Premier League goals among his total contributions. His international tally stands at 2 goals for Brazil.
Q: What was Antony’s most important goal? A: Many consider his winner against Barcelona in the Europa League playoff match in February 2023 as one of his most significant goals, coming as a substitute to secure Manchester United’s progression in the competition.
Q: How does Antony’s goal record compare to other Brazilian wingers? A: While his goal statistics are developing, Antony’s record shows promise for a player still establishing himself in European football. His combination of goals and assists demonstrates his dual threat as both scorer and creator.
Q: Has Antony’s goal-scoring improved over time? A: Antony’s goal-scoring has shown periods of productivity interspersed with quieter spells, which is typical for developing players adapting to different leagues and tactical systems. His recent loan move aims to provide more consistent playing time to improve these statistics.
Q: What type of goals does Antony typically score? A: Antony’s goals often come from cutting inside onto his preferred left foot, with a mix of powerful strikes from outside the box and composed finishes in the penalty area. His dribbling ability creates many of his scoring opportunities.
