Antony was introduced as a substitute against Fenerbahce ahead of fellow winger Amad Diallo as Manchester United drew a third consecutive match in the Europa League.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained that Antony’s performances in training were the reason the Brazilian came on ahead of the Ivory Coast international against Fenerbahce on Thursday night.
The 2024/25 campaign was billing up to be a big one for Amad. Ten Hag challenged him to step up during pre-season and he showed glimpses of what he can do when the competitive campaign got underway.
Amad was left on the bench for the trip to Turkey as Ten Hag made the unexpected decision to start full-back Noussair Mazraoui in the Number 10 role against Jose Mourinho’s side due to the suspension of Bruno Fernandes.
However, Ten Hag opted to make several changes after Youssef En-Nesyri’s equaliser. First came Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro before Antony came on to replace Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag explained his decision after the match, saying: “Amad, he is doing well, but I must also reward the performances of Antony in training. He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right rhinf tro do was bring him on to decide the game.”
Antony didn’t have enough time on the pitch to have an impact on the game. He lasted barely 10 minutes before eventually being replaced by Amad, who looked less than impressed as he prepared to come on.
🚨 Amad Diallo didn’t play one single minute vs Villa and Brentford… subbed on tonight only after Antony’s injury.
Ten Hag: “He’s doing well but I must also reward to reward the performances of Antony in training”.
“Antony is a threat almost every training”. pic.twitter.com/Hz8quEKX6O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 24, 2024
This could spell danger for Amad’s chances in the team, but he still needs to take his chances when he gets them. It doesn’t bother me when players get stroppy over playing time when they have a point.
Amad definitely deserves more opportunities in the team.
Antony spotted on crutches
While Ten Hag couldn’t offer a detailed assessment of Antony’s injury, the winger was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches.
Antony is expected to undergo tests when United return to Manchester.
The Reds take on West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday and it doesn’t look like Antony will be available.
Perhaps we’ll see Amad get a run as a result.
Antony chosen over Diallo. FFS. That’s all: FFS.🙄🙄🙄