Despite opening his account for the season last Tuesday night, Antony finds himself cast aside from Erik ten Hag’s plans.
In Manchester United’s opening five Premier League matches, the Brazilian has featured only once: a single, one-minute cameo against Brighton and Hove Albion on matchweek two.
The scintillating form of duo Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, both of whom are younger than Antony, has seen the ex-Ajax man fall even further down the pecking order after a campaign in which he was eventually made to settle for an off-the-bench, rotational role.
It’s remarkable that a player United forked out £86 million for could leave in the winter window and leave supporters entirely unfazed by his departure – the same way they were when Jadon Sancho, £73, swapped red for blue when he joined Chelsea on deadline day last month.
Antony, 24, may be granted increased game time in the coming weeks now that Erik ten Hag is navigating fixtures in all competitions. They get their Europa League campaign underway tomorrow night against FC Twente, which should realistically see some integral starters rested for fringe players.
Weighing in on the outcast’s situation, Joe Cole believes Antony has proven he just isn’t capable of succeeding in the English top flight but could revive his career in another league.
Cole’s brutal Antony verdict
“The problem with Antony at Manchester United is I think he’s a player that is perfect for the Dutch league,” Cole told Paddy Power, as cited by the Metro.
“I think the physicality of the Premier League is something he struggles with. He’s a talented footballer with great technique and skill, and it was good to see him playing well against Barnsley. But I don’t see him making an impact in the United starting team this season, and I can’t see him turning it around at Manchester United.
“With Antony, I think he’s playing for a move away from the club, and I think United will move past him. He’s not an old player, and he should be coming into his prime in the next few years, so I think he’s probably best suited to other leagues.”
