The overall performance of Manchester United was impressive as they defeated Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
While Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Fred all scored goals, Antony had again another forgettable evening. He has already played in 11 games for club and country, which indicates that the Red Devils have a problem with their £86 million player.
Manchester United was aware that they would need a specialist for the right wing in the summer. Erik ten Hag was aware that his team needed to be strengthened in that area, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and youngster Alejandro Garnacho all performing better on the other flank.
However, Antony showed up while United was considering a move for Cody Gakpo, who is now likely to sign with Liverpool. Ten Hag, who had previously managed the Brazil international at Ajax, had repeatedly pressured the Red Devils board to provide additional funds.
Finally, the Glazers bowed down, and United agreed to spend a staggering £86 million to sign the star. It appeared to be money well spent at first.
The Red Devils landed a player that they needed the most, and it looked as if they secured their right wing spot. The fans were pleased by this decision, as they wanted to see their new signing in action straightaway.
On his United debut, Antony made a strong impression, scoring the game’s first goal as Arsenal was defeated 3-1 on a glorious Sunday at Old Trafford. In the 6-3 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, he then added a consolation goal that was both remarkable and precise.
At the beginning of October, United defeated Everton 2-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the game-winning goal. Antony was also on target that day. But since then, Antony has had difficulties. Injuries have played a part in that, but after his lacklustre performance against Forest, he has now gone 11 games without scoring or providing an assist for club or country.
He has undoubtedly not performed in the manner that one would anticipate from the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.
In the second half, Bruno Fernandes gave him a wonderful chance to break his goal drought by putting him through on goal.
However, Antony lacked poise when it mattered the most, as Wayne Hennessy saved his attempt when he really ought to have scored. Soon after the hour mark, United made a few changes because Ten Hag thought his team needed some changes. And it came as no surprise to see Antony leave the stage as Donny van de Beek took his place.
When healthy and at his best, Antony is a great player, which is precisely why United made the decision to spend such a large amount of money on him. The Red Devils’ star, though, is now in a slump, and they will be hoping he can emerge successfully from it, especially with the matches approaching thick and fast.
Wolves, a squad that has recently given United a lot of trouble, will be United’s next opponent on New Year’s Eve. Despite his lacklustre performance on Tuesday night, Antony will be aiming to start that game.
After yet another poor day, it will be interesting to see if he still has Ten Hag’s immediate trust. The manager is short on options when it comes to the right-wing spot, but he may not hesitate to make the call if things don’t work out any time soon.
