Manchester United where humiliated by Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday evening, and Micah Richards has slammed Antony.
Manchester United crashed to a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. And popular pundit Micah Richards has now slammed the performance of Brazilian winger Antony on Match of the Day (h/t Daily Express).
The former Ajax attacker joined Manchester United in a deal worth around £85 million during the summer transfer window. And he was expected to hit the ground running and help Manchester United improve in the attacking areas.
The 23-year-old seemed like a passenger against Liverpool and barely created any opportunities for his teammates. Apart from a couple of curled efforts from distance, Antony did not trouble the Liverpool defence at all.
Richards said on MOTD2, “There was no communication between Diogo Dalot and Antony. At times, it was like they were playing with 10 men because Antony wasn’t doing his work at all down that side.
“I didn’t know if it was tactical at first – Antony’s position – but we all know how good Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are so you would think someone would try and get closer to Antony. He didn’t track him to begin with – he was eight metres away – and that was just a little taster of what was to happen.
“Antony needed to come back into that position but he just doesn’t do it. I was confused as to whether he was just being lazy for his team or his manager was just telling him to stay up there and be a threat on the counter-attack. Either way, it just kept happening and happening. As soon as they lose the ball, he just walks. We are talking about one of the biggest games for Manchester United.”
Manchester United have paid big money for the talented young winger. But he has not been able to showcase his qualities in the Premier League yet. It is understandable that the Brazilian is still adapting to English football, but he might get back to his best soon.
However, in a game of this magnitude players are expected to work hard and put in more effort. Although Antony struggled to influence the game with his attacking quality, he could have helped out his side with his pressing, work rate and defensive contribution as well. The lack of effort was evident from the Brazilian winger, and he will have to do better if he wants to start for Manchester United consistently.
The Brazilian has proven his quality at Ajax in the past, and he will be determined to succeed at Old Trafford as well. There is no doubt that he is a prodigious young talent with massive potential. Erik ten Hag will know all about him having worked with the player at Ajax. The Dutch manager will be hoping to get the best out of his summer signing soon.
Meanwhile, he was not the only Manchester United player who was lacking in effort and application on Sunday. Manager Erik ten Hag slammed his entire team for an unprofessional display after the game.
