Peter Schmeichel says ‘it will not be an easy ride’ for Antony at Manchester United despite the former Ajax star enjoying the perfect start to his Old Trafford career.
Antony, who completed a big-money move from Holland last week, scored 35 minutes into his debut in Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The 22-year-old found space in Arsenal’s box and swept home Rashford’s pass before celebrating wildly in front of the away corner of the stadium.
Arsenal attempted to fight back after Antony’s first-half opening goal and equalised on the hour mark through Bukayo Saka.
But Manchester United were not to be denied a fourth consecutive win, with Rashford scoring twice to end Arsenal’s perfect start to the campaign.
Schmeichel was impressed by Antony’s United debut but has urged supporters not to put ‘too much pressure on him’ as he expects him to encounter difficulties as he tries to adapt to his new surroundings.
‘We spent a lot of money on him and you need to put your faith in the manager a little bit and believe that he knows what he’s bringing in,’ Schmeichel said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘We all know that it’s a very big difference coming from other leagues into the Premier League and, on top of that, having to perform for Manchester United.
‘When it’s going well, they get praise and hopefully Antony can do well every game. He played well and is grabbing all the headlines today.
‘But we don’t want to put too much pressure on him though and have to let this young man settle in and get used to the Premier League because it’s not going to be an easy ride for him. It’s not an easy ride for anyone coming to this league and especially playing for United.
‘We’ve seen it many times before. Let’s enjoy that he played really well and have a laugh at where he celebrated his goal [in front of the Arsenal fans].’
Legendary goalkeeper Schmeichel added: ‘It’s definitely looking different to how it did after the first two games. There’s no doubt that the level is increasing and they are playing a lot better.
‘I think what pleases me the most is the mentality, you see the running and putting pressure on the ball, things we haven’t seen the team do for a while.
‘It looks like Ten Hag is getting his message across to the players and they’re responding.’
