How Antony’s Arrival Revitalized Manchester United: Tactical Review of the 3-1 Victory Over Arsenal
Manchester United’s dramatic acquisition of Antony during the 2022 summer transfer window became one of the headline sagas in European football. After protracted negotiations, the Red Devils secured the Brazilian winger for a staggering €95 million fee. Given both the high price tag and the club’s patchy recruitment record in recent years, fans had every reason to be cautious about expectations. Yet, in his Old Trafford debut against Arsenal, Antony justified Erik ten Hag’s immediate faith. Not only did he score and help drive United to a crucial 3-1 win, but he also provided glimpses of how his style and attributes could be transformative for United’s system. Below is a detailed analysis of Antony’s impact, highlighting both his attacking flair and defensive diligence.
Antony’s Influence in Possession: Skill, Creativity, and Unlocking Teammates
Antony entered the Premier League carrying a reputation for mesmerizing dribbling and confidence on the ball—traits honed in the Eredivisie but often scrutinized when transitioning to England’s physical top flight. The Arsenal match offered an early response to doubters, as Antony consistently stretched Arsenal’s defensive structure and brought a dynamic edge down United’s right flank.
One of the key tactical effects was Antony’s ability to draw multiple defenders, particularly Oleksandr Zinchenko, and create overloads. Arsenal’s left-back found it increasingly challenging to cope with Antony’s movement and flair, frequently requiring support to contain United’s new signing. This, in turn, unlocked space for Diogo Dalot, United’s right-back, whose forward surges benefited from the attention Antony commanded.
For example, several coordinated moves enabled Dalot to exploit inside channels or advance on overlapping runs. Antony’s tricks, quick shifts, and disguised passes left defenders guessing, allowing Dalot to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area—a direct result of Arsenal’s forced double-marking. While Dalot narrowly missed assisting on a Christian Eriksen chance following a slick interplay, the blueprint for United’s improved right-sided attacks was clear.
But Antony’s influence extends beyond direct wing play. His unpredictable dribbling often forces the opposition to pull back their advanced wide players—like Gabriel Martinelli—creating 2v1 opportunities or freeing up central passing lanes. These dynamics saw Martinelli retreat to provide additional support, weakening Arsenal’s counter-attacking potential down that side.
Additionally, Antony’s chemistry with other creative players, notably Jadon Sancho, hints at broader attacking permutations. On more than one occasion, Sancho drifted close to Antony to form quickpassing triangles with Dalot. This fluid approach—a hallmark of Erik ten Hag’s style at Ajax—helped United maintain numerical superiority on the flank and open up interior spaces for midfielders like Scott McTominay to break lines or switch play.
Antony’s awareness and technique also stood out. His first touches routinely guided the ball into unoccupied spaces, a subtle yet sophisticated move critical for retaining possession under pressure in the Premier League.
The crowning moment came with Antony’s well-timed run and composed finish for his debut goal. He received the ball after arching his run to evade a recovering defender and calmly slotted it past Aaron Ramsdale. The move showcased both his attacking instincts and his tactical understanding—waiting until the last moment to break away and open an angle.
Overall, Antony’s active involvement in buildup phases, positional interplay with teammates, and technical excellence added a new dimension to United’s attack, helping dismantle Arsenal’s defensive shape throughout his 60 minutes on the pitch.
Defensive Contributions: Off-the-Ball Work Ethic and Tactical Adaptability
Antony’s impact wasn’t limited to dazzling attacking displays. Out of possession, the Brazilian demonstrated a disciplined, proactive defensive approach, fulfilling complex tactical instructions from Ten Hag.
Operating on the right in United’s defensive transitions—typically in a 4-4-1-1 or a 4-2-3-1 shape—Antony handled dual assignments. He was tasked with tightly tracking Zinchenko’s advanced inside runs while also guarding against overloads from Arsenal’s wide attackers. While this sometimes meant the wide areas could be left open behind him, Antony’s positioning also allowed him to press Arsenal’s centre-backs when the Gunners struggled for width, hampering their buildup from deep.
His willingness to apply aggressive pressure yielded positive results, including two tackles won in the match and several examples of regaining the ball high up the pitch. On one occasion, Antony’s tackling intensity was notable enough to mistakenly catch his own teammate, underlining both his competitive edge and the need for slight adjustment to Premier League refereeing standards.
As Antony continues to adapt, balancing between intense pressing and strategic positioning will be crucial. Ten Hag’s tactical system relied on Antony’s ability to quickly close down passing options and launch rapid transitions, contributing to United’s overall defensive solidity against a dangerous Arsenal attack. While these defensive schemes brought some risk, the early signs suggest Antony is more than willing to shoulder his share of the defensive workload.
What Antony’s Performance Means for United’s Ambitions
Antony’s debut was more than a promising individual showcase—it reflected a potential turning point for Manchester United’s tactical evolution under Erik ten Hag. His presence, movement, and ability to attract defenders created new patterns in United’s play, making the attack less predictable and more cohesive. Both full-backs and attacking midfielders benefit from the space and options Antony’s creativity unlocks.
If Antony maintains this blend of technical excellence, game intelligence, and tenacity, United could finally be on the path back to consistent elite performances. While it remains early in his Old Trafford journey and the scrutiny accompanying a €95 million transfer fee will persist, the opening chapter is certainly encouraging for fans hoping to see Manchester United return to the top tier of English and European football.
Conclusion: Antony’s Early Signs Point to Game-Changing Potential
In summary, Antony’s first appearance for Manchester United delivered on both sides of the ball. He combined Brazilian attacking flair with mature discipline, offering tactical solutions that immediately elevated United’s performance. While one game can never provide the full picture, the indications are strong that Antony could be a catalyst for United’s continued progress under Erik ten Hag. As the season unfolds, observers will be eager to track whether this debut marks the start of a lasting, transformative era at Old Trafford.
