It’s tough to deny that Manchester United and Erik ten Hag may have issues with Antony.
His first two Premier League performances in the 2023/2024 season, against Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur, demonstrated that the criticism leveled at him by fans was justified.Ten Hag named Antony to the starting XI in both matches, and he failed to justify that trust.
He is frequently labeled as a player with only one move, relying too heavily on his left foot, although he has yet to master that move, as evidenced by his performances at Old Trafford. Wolves.Antony’s first impulse appears to be to constantly send the ball to his left foot, sometimes at the risk of missed rhythm.As a result, Man United’s attacks were frequently cut off at his location.
Furthermore, Antony’s decision-making ability is exceedingly weak, and he almost always makes the wrong choice at critical times.It is not uncommon for the Brazilian to attempt a shot when he might pass the ball to someone in a better position to score.Similarly, when United is on the counter-attack, Antony frequently slows the attack by passing the ball back or even transferring the ball to his left foot.
The 23-year-old is occasionally hesitant to get close or fails to get past a defender.These flaws were on display against Wolves and persisted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as United suffered a dismal defeat.
Antony started in an attacking three with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho for the second time this season.His two teammates did not fare well, but it was the Brazilian player who stood out for his stupidity.The MEN website rated him 3 points, making him Man United’s weakest player.His weaknesses from last season are the same ones that have kept him back thus far.
Worse, he appears to be confident of a position in the starting XI.It’s difficult to imagine Pellistri or Jadon Sancho performing as brilliantly as Antony.Antony will likely face competition for a starting spot.Instead of delaying himself because he knows he is secure in the hands of Erik ten Hag, Antony might gain from competition.
Ten Hag has consistently stated publicly that each player must earn his or her own spot at Manchester United.It’s time to put what he said into practice.Allow Antony to earn the right to start for the Reds.
