Rio Ferdinand's early Antony fears coming to life as Man Utd star sends defiant message

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand issued his concerns with Antony back in August and it looks as if the former Red Devils ace may have been right to be wary.

Brazilian international Antony was United's marquee signing in the summer, arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax to the tune of 84.4million. Factoring in that the wide forward had only netted eight goals for the Dutch giants in his last season in Amsterdam, it was inevitable that some fans and pundits raised eyebrows over the amount of money the Red Devils were parting ways with.

Ferdinand was no different, as he admitted back in August of last year he harboured some fears that the cost of the transfer would directly impact Antony's performances.

"Antony, he's coming in at 100million or roughly around that figure, [you hope] that he comes in and that doesn't weigh heavy on his neck," the ex-England international told his Vibe with FIVE podcast. "You look at [Jack] Grealish last year, he wasn't the same Grealish that played at Aston Villa, so it can weigh heavy.