Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says Antony needs to add more goals and assists to his game next season.
The Brazilian ended his debut year at Old Trafford with eight goals, although just four of them came in the Premier League. Two of his three assists came in the league.
After becoming the first United player to score in each of his first three league matches in October, Antony did not score in the top-flight again until April. While he has provided excitement on the ball, many want to see the 23-year-old deliver more end-product in his game going forward.
Cole is one of those, underlining how the £85m winger needs to be more creative next season. Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: "This inverted winger role that Antony plays, as a striker you want your wingers to create chances for you.
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“Antony has had two assists in the Premier League this season, and he's only scored four goals. I know it's his first season and Manchester United paid a lot of money for him, but if you're a winger then you have to be creating more chances.
“Look at Manchester United's former players like David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, look at their goals and assists, that's Manchester United's standards. Will Antony improve next season? I hope so, he's young but we'll have to see.”
Erik ten Hag has outlined his wish for Antony to grow further. Speaking after Antony netted against Nottingham Forest in April, Ten Hag encouraged him to make more match-defining contributions.
The manager said: "It's so important in top football, the timing, the right moment to bring the pass is huge, it makes every impact, it makes the difference between a goal and no goal.
"He [Antony] knows, I know as well, when you are a striker, you need end product. But already he had quite a lot of end product. He scored in all competitions now, eight goals, first year at United is not bad.
"But he has to do it, I can't say in every game, but many games if you want to be a top-class player and especially in all of the competitions. In the Premier League, there are a lot of quality defenders and you have to act on a really high level."
