Most people have little knowledge of what that entity was a century and a half ago, still less be able to assess its merits against the modern day.
Yet, in any debate about the worst transfer deal Manchester United have ever made, the chances are there will be few dissenting voices if Antony’s name is pushed forward.
In one sense this is incredibly harsh on the young Brazilian forward, who sat with three English journalists in Los Angeles last summer and told of his backstory.
It was impossible not to be moved as Antony recounted the poverty he grew up in, the danger that cost the lives of many of his friends and why he has the word favela etched into his boots.
By any measure, the 24-year-old’s personal tale is a success story. Little wonder he had tears in his eyes as he explained why he had come too far and achieved too much to let those critical of his football get under his skin.
But if you can separate the backstory from his impact as a Manchester United player, it is impossible to conclude he has been anything other than a failure.
That in itself, is not a reason to condemn. Every club has made signings that prove to be a mistake. It is Antony’s misfortune that there is an extra layer. His price tag.
Antony is now on the brink of joining Spanish side Real Betis on loan until the end of the season with United sources saying the deal is covering a minimum of 84% of his wages, which are over £100,000 per week.
He remains under contract at United until 2027.