Paul Scholes backs ‘trim and confident’ Jadon Sancho to start in FA Cup final against Manchester City and replace the injured Antony… after impressing on the right wing in a 4-1 thrashing against Chelsea
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has tipped Jadon Sancho to step in and replace Antony if the injured Brazilian is unable to play in Manchester United’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City in June.
Antony was taken off on a stretcher during United’s 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea on Thursday night after injuring himself while struggling with Trevoh Chalobah.
Although the Chelsea defender’s challenge to the ball was clean, Antony appeared to be dragging and twisting his ankle as he propelled himself into the penalty area.
Erik ten Hag described his winger’s injury after the final whistle as ‘serious’ and warned that the club would have to wait ‘at least 24 hours’ before knowing whether the accident had prematurely ended the Brazilian’s season.
United have only one Premier League game left to play, but their approaching final at Wembley gives them a crucial chance to claim not only their second piece of silverware this season, but also City’s chance to clinch their historic 1998-99 treble. replicate.
Jadon Sancho (right) could be a strong alternative to Antony in the upcoming FA Cup final
The Brazilian winger was writhing in pain after a fight with Trevoh Chalobah during the 4-1 win
United legend Paul Scholes (left) urges Erik Ten Hag to put Sancho to the test at Wembley against City
Scholes – a member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Treble-winning side – was full of praise for Sancho after his performance against the Blues, where the 23-year-old slipped into Antony’s role on the right wing after team-mate Marcus Rashford was introduced. as replacement.
In service for Premier League productionsScholes argued that it would have been worth the risk for Ten Hag to play Antony so close to the final.
“You have to play players, and sometimes you are just unlucky, and he was unlucky tonight with Antony,” said Scholes before adding, “but he has a good player to come into.
“Rashford came off the bench tonight, I think Sancho is looking as good as he has all season.
“I’m a little sorry the season has come to an end for him, he looks fit, he looks tight, he looks tight, he looks fast and he looks so confident too.
“So I think he can get into that final.”
Sancho has played most of his 39 appearances in the red this season on the left, but Scholes’ high regard for his right-handed play – which was a priority during his tenure at Borussia Dortmund – might give Ten Hag some food for thought.
Ten Hag tried to comfort Antony when he was carried off the field against Chelsea during the first half
The 23-year-old has had a challenging season, but is starting to look back at his best at the end
The player has been inconsistent since his £73 million move to Manchester in 2021 and has struggled to find form and regular playing time.
At the end of 2022, Sancho took a break from the first team due to concerns about his mental and physical well-being before returning to the side in February after completing an individualized training program in Ten Hag’s native Netherlands.
In the second half of the season, the City Academy graduate has gradually found his way and a more permanent role in the starting eleven.
United’s final game against Fulham on Sunday – with the Champions League now in jeopardy – could give Sancho’s head coach a chance to test Scholes’ theory before June 3.