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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

'He is confused' - Marco van Basten criticises Antony and names Ajax star who is 'smarter' than Man United ace

Legendary Netherlands international Marco van Basten has described Ajax striker Mohammed Kudus as a "much better" footballer than Manchester United winger Antony.

Antony, who has missed each of United's last four matches through injury, joined the club from Ajax in an £85.5million deal last summer, following several months of speculation. The Brazilian has struggled to live up to his price tag so far, scoring just five goals and registering one assist in 23 appearances.

United manager Erik ten Hag was determined to be reunited with the 22-year-old throughout last summer's transfer window and identified him as his top target to bolster the club's right-wing options. Though he has shown flashes of his brilliance and what he will be capable of as he gains more experience, he has, up until this juncture, failed to live up to expectations.

READ MORE: United could discover their new best midfield vs Barcelona

And for former Ajax man Van Basten, Antony is "confused" with what he tries to produce on the pitch. At the same time, the now-58-year-old has identified Kudus, who Ten Hag is understood to be an admirer of, as a better player.

"I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony," Van Basten told Ziggo Sport. "Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do.

"Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.

"He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He's more fun to watch play."

Kudus, who is capable of operating as both a striker and as an attacking-midfielder, has enjoyed a productive campaign for Ajax this season, scoring 15 goals and registering three assists in 30 appearances in all competitions. The 22-year-old is, of course, no stranger to Ten Hag after working with him in the Netherlands previously.

Kudus went to the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year and scored twice in Ghana's 3-2 win over South Korea. He has earned a total of 21 caps for his country, scoring seven goals.

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