As the most expensive signing by any club in the 2022 summer transfer window, it's safe to say that expectations will be high as far as the impact that Brazilian Antony can have on Manchester United in 2022/23.
The 22-year-old was the exclamation point on a summer during which new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag attempted to upgrade the squad in the hope of injecting new life into a club coming off its worst Premier League finish.
Alongside bringing in Christian Eriksen and Real Madrid's Casemiro, Ten Hag raided his former club Ajax, for Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
Martinez has enjoyed a solid first month in Manchester, but Antony faces the prospect of performing under the pressure of a £90.5 million ($104.5m) price tag.
Antony's arrival is United's second highest ever transfer outlay, behind Paul Pogba's £94.5 million return to the club from Juventus in 2016, and he will be eligible to make his club debut at home to Arsenal on Sunday, September 4.
How To Watch
Match: Manchester United vs Arsenal
Date & Time: September 4 @ 4:30 PM (BST) / 11:30 AM (ET)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
TV Channel: Sky Sports, BT Sport Ultimate
Online Streaming: Sky Go, BT Sport App & fuboTV (Try for free)
Watch in Canada: fubo Sports Network
Team News
Manchester United: New United signing Antony could make his debut for the Red Devils following his £85 million ($99m) transfer from Ajax. The Brazilian is set to join the matchday panel immediately. Anthony Martial is ruled out, however, while Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remain fitness concerns, according to Ten Hag.
The situation with Cristiano Ronaldo remains uncertain, with the legendary attacker starting just one game this season. However, he could be in line for a return to the lineup against Arsenal.
Arsenal: Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the game with a knee problem, while Thomas Partey (thigh) and Mohamed Elneny (hamstring) will also play no part at Old Trafford. There are also concerns lingering over the availability of Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard, who may need late fitness tests.
Head to Head
- Manchester United have won just one of the last eight meetings - a 3-2 home victory last season.
- Arsenal's only win in their last 15 Premier League games at Old Trafford was a 1-0 victory in November 2020.
- The Gunners have lost 17 Premier League matches away to United, more than against any other opponent.
- Manchester United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 16 Premier League meetings, a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in January 2021. At home, they've conceded in their last eight against the Gunners since a 1-0 win in November 2013.
Prediction: This feels impossible to predict. Manchester United have won their past three games and Arsenal have started superbly.
Martin Odegaard went off injured in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa and he is a big player for them. Arsenal were far too good for Villa and if anything is lacking they were not quite ruthless enough, but Gabriel Jesus is big trouble for any defenders. He hassles and presses and has great quality.
Score Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 3 Arsenal