Subpar Antony ‘needed’ goal against Liverpool

Antony has admitted he “needed” his goal against Liverpool after a difficult year at Manchester United.

The Brazil winger scored an equaliser to make it 2-2 late in normal time before United went on to win their FA Cup quarterfinal 4-3 after extra time on a dramatic day at Old Trafford.

It was Antony’s first home goal for more than a year after spending time away from the squad amid investigations into accusations of abusive behaviour in Brazil and the UK and subsequently losing his place in Erik ten Hag’s team.

“It was a very important goal, it gave us the chance to go to extra time and try to win,” said Antony. “Personally it was a very important moment for me, I needed that goal. At no point did I stop thinking about it and working. It’s games like this that show our values and I believe this will motivate everyone for the season.

“It was a great game. Our team fought until the last minute. We showed the strength that United has in front of our fans. We have the possibility of winning another title for the club and we will fight for it.”

Antony, who was signed in a £85 million deal from Ajax in 2022, has faced heavy criticism during his time in England. He’s yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season, but the 24-year-old insists he’s been working hard in training — particularly on his right foot, the one he scored with against Liverpool.

“It has been a period of a lot of learning,” Antony added. “I try to learn from each criticism, understand where I can improve. I have been working silently to evolve and show my football on the field. I have also been training my right foot, to make it better.

“I know my potential and I know why Manchester hired me. I want to repay all of this on the field.”

Man United play Coventry City in the FA Cup semifinals on April 20, at Wembley Stadium.