Unlikely Man Utd star is leaving Phil Foden red-faced despite imminent exit

When Phil Foden picked up the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award last season, he wouldn’t have banked on being outperformed by Antony a few months later. But that’s exactly the plight facing the struggling star right now as he continues to flounder at both domestic and European level.

Foden struck 27 times in all competitions last season, including twice on the final day against West Ham as Manchester City dramatically sealed a fourth straight title.

And his form was duly rewarded by fellow top-flight players, with the England international also collecting the FWA, Premier League, and City Player of the Year honours.

But having been below par during Euro 2024, the forward has not appeared the same player in this campaign. He’s yet to score in the Premier League so far, with his only goals coming in the League Cup and Champions League.

Antony meanwhile, continues to underwhelm since his £80million move to Manchester United from Ajax in 2022. And the early indications suggest that the Brazilian isn’t going to feature regularly under Ruben Amorim, having started just one Europa League match since the Portuguese boss took charge.

And yet, the winger is seemingly outperforming his counterpart from across the city. That’s despite him matching Foden’s current league goal tally of zero.

But according to Sky Sports, the 24-year-old leads his rival 3-2 in the ‘big chances created’ department. His passing accuracy is also up at 79 per cent, compared top Foden’s 68 per cent.

And it’s Antony looking slightly more likely to break his goal duck at top-flight level too. His shooting accuracy has been rated at 12 per cent, with the six-time Premier League winner remarkably down at just 10.2 per cent.

Finally, the United man also leads the way in the ‘xG created’ area as well. His score of 0.86 favourably compares to Foden’s meagre score of 0.67, with the star’s downturn signifying City’s erratic form.

However, the statistics are unlikely to save Antony from the axe at Old Trafford. According to talkSPORT his club are planning to cut their losses in January, with former club Ajax and Fluminense reported to be interested.

He’s struck just 12 goals in 89 games in all competitions since his move, and featured just seven times in this current campaign. Many club fans have touted him as one of the worst signings in United’s history.