- The Brazilian winger has fallen out of favor in Manchester United’s selection
- Antony now has to prove himself to work his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans
- If Jürgen Klopp had said he would leave 12 months ago, Mauricio Pochettino would have been a good fit at Liverpool. It’s all Kicking Off podcast
All Antony could do was sit and watch. First he was overlooked by 19-year-old Omari Forson, who was making his first start in the Premier League. Then came Forson and Scott McTominay followed, pushing Bruno Fernandes to the right wing. The next to be called to the podium was Amad Diallo, who was playing in the competition for only the second time this season.
When Antony was finally called up from his warm spot on the bench, a place that has become a home from home for him since the defeat at Nottingham Forest on December 30, there were just 30 seconds left.
Grass had barely grabbed his studs when Michael Oliver blew the whistle. United had lost for the first time in 2024, their unbeaten run was over and Fulham were a worthy winner, even if it took an Alex Iwobi goal in the 97th minute.
But this was a tenth league defeat for United this season and so the bigger story at play here was Antony, a fully fit Antony no less, finding fifth choice in his own position. So much for a birthday you will never forget.
Thinking back 17 months to when Antony first posed for photos in a Manchester United shirt after sealing an £86 million transfer, he arrived with such optimism and belief.
Antony’s struggles at Manchester United have seen him slip down the pecking order in his favored right-wing position
Antony only came off the bench in Man United’s weekend defeat to Fulham with 30 seconds remaining
Antony was overlooked for 19-year-old Omari Forson against Fulham, making his first start in the Premier League
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“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development,” he said.
“His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me and I am excited about what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.”
He arrived as a favorite with Ten Hag, one of his trusted lieutenants, but now he is a player that Ten Hag is reluctant to use, not even to turn back the clock. The plan at the moment is to keep him as far away from match action as possible. His stock has never been this low.
“It had nothing to do with fitness,” Ten Hag said scathingly after this 2-1 defeat.
The Dutchman was in no mood to make up a story to spare Antonius the public humiliation.
‘He is fit, but we have a lot of options on the right; We are short of other positions due to injuries.
‘We have all seen the form in Antony and he must go one step further. I see it in training, but Omari Forson and Amad Diallo and Garnacho also deserve to play.’
Even as United huffed and puffed here, bereft of creativity and presence in attack, no one outside those of a Fulham persuasion was calling for the 24-year-old Brazilian’s introduction.
Without a goal or an assist in 20 league matches this season, any confidence in him to change the course of the game has long since disappeared.
That is now the challenge for Antony: changing the story. Ten Hag tries to win matches and does not believe that Antony can help him. Fans want to see young people with no experience playing for him. Pundits have long stopped including him in predicted XIs.
Antony arrived at the club as a Ten Hag favorite, but the Dutchman no longer wants to use him
Man United manager Erik ten Hag scathingly analyzed that Antony ‘has a point to prove’
“He has to prove his point,” Ten Hag said on Friday, as he appeared to leave the door slightly ajar. ‘He has great potential. He hasn’t shown it lately, but I know what his talent is. It’s about proving his talent and it’s about him.’
If there was ever a week where Antony could make a statement, this is it. An FA Cup fifth round tie against Forest, where he last started in the competition, before the small matter of a Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium against Man City.
“Thank you to everyone who told me I can’t do it. You’re just another reason why I do it,” Manny Pacquiao once said.
If Antony still has fighting spirit left, this is the time to show it.