- Antony wasn’t part of the Manchester United squad that faced Everton on Sunday evening
- The Brazilian winger suffered a knock and wasn’t deemed fully fit for the trip to Goodison Park
- The winger is in poor form this season scoring zero goals and no assists at all
In Manchester United’s recent 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, the absence of winger Antony raised eyebrows, as the Brazilian missed the match due to an injury described by the Manchester Evening News as a “knock.” Despite being a key player for United in the past, Antony’s recent struggles to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup have raised questions about his form and the challenges the team is facing.
Antony found himself sidelined alongside other injured players, including Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez. However, initial assessments suggest that Antony’s injury is not a severe one. Despite starting in the first four Premier League games of the season, Antony has been unable to make a significant impact, failing to register a goal or assist.
The Brazilian winger had been a near-automatic starter during his debut campaign with Manchester United. Still, since returning to the squad after a period of leave, Antony has struggled to regain a regular place in the starting lineup. His time away from the team was granted as he faced serious allegations of assault by multiple women, which he vehemently denies. The ongoing legal matters surrounding Antony’s personal life have undoubtedly affected his on-field performance and focus.
Manchester United winger Antony has been in poor form recording zero assists and zero goals this season. | PHOTO: GOAL |
Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, publicly supported Antony’s potential to rediscover his form earlier this month. Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges Antony has faced and emphasized the team’s role in supporting the player.
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“That is also a team, first, and the team is not playing well when we don’t bring him the balls, and I am also responsible for that,” Ten Hag stated at a press conference prior to a match against Fulham. “But obviously, there was also a lot of noise, and that dropped his levels. He can do better but all the players can do better. Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave, and I am confident he will bring the performance, that he is the right player for us.”
Ten Hag’s comments highlight the manager’s understanding of the external factors affecting Antony’s performance, including the off-field controversies and the team’s collective responsibility to support him. The manager expressed confidence in Antony’s ability to bounce back and contribute positively to the team.
During the previous season, Antony showcased glimpses of his quality, attracting interest from top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Notably, he found the net in each of his first three Premier League appearances and played a pivotal role in United’s victory over Barcelona in the Europa League. However, inconsistencies and injuries hampered his overall campaign, raising concerns about his long-term impact.
As Antony battles to regain his form and secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup, Manchester United faces broader challenges. The team’s injury list, which includes key players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, adds to the existing hurdles. Rasmus Hojlund and Lisandro Martinez, among others, also find themselves on the sidelines, contributing to a significant strain on the squad’s depth.
The absence of key players has put additional pressure on the remaining squad members to step up and fill the void. United’s depth will be thoroughly tested as they navigate both domestic and European competitions. The team’s performance will depend on the ability of the entire squad to stay fit, overcome challenges, and adapt to evolving circumstances.
In conclusion, Antony’s recent absence from the Manchester United lineup, coupled with ongoing challenges and injuries within the squad, underscores the complexity of managing a top-tier football team. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to address these issues collectively and support players like Antony will play a crucial role in determining their success on multiple fronts.
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