Antony was subbed off by Erik ten Hag on the hour mark after fans grew frustrated with his performance, as a below-par Manchester United lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the Premier League
Manchester United fans were left exasperated after Antony’s last act against Newcastle was a move which slowed down their attack.
The Red Devils were searching for an opening goal in the second half before headers from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson gave the Magpies a deserved 2-0 victory at St James’ Park on Sunday. Antony started the match on his favoured right flank, battling Newcastle left-back Dan Burn and often causing problems for the hosts.
But Erik ten Hag had seen enough of the Brazilian winger on the hour mark, replacing him with Jadon Sancho as Anthony Martial also came on for Wout Weghorst. Antony’s final involvement was to slow down a United attack, leaving fans seated high in the gods at St James’ furious.
Red Devils supporters were just as dismayed with his team-mates, who failed to wrestle back control of a game which they’d lost in the early stages. Two headers from Willock and Wilson gave Newcastle a worthy win which sees them leapfrog United into third place.
If Tottenham can earn at least a draw away to Everton on Monday, United will drop out of the Champions League places altogether ahead of Wednesday’s crucial game at home to Brentford. The Red Devils last won a Premier League match on February 19, beating Leicester 3-0, a game which they could’ve easily gone behind in.
United legend Gary Neville couldn’t hide the fact the Magpies deserved all three points, telling Sky Sports: “Newcastle, you wondered at half-time whether they’d miss their chance, Manchester United sometimes flip flop from one performance to another first half and second half.
Antony battled with Newcastle’s Dan Burn as Man Utd lost 2-0 ( Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
“But Erik ten Hag has not been able to impact his team in this second half, they’ve really let him down today. Newcastle have been fantastic, they’ve been beaten all ends up. 21 shots [for Newcastle], Manchester United have only had one on target out of their six. 41 touches in the opposition box, you have no complaints if you’re a Manchester United fan today – you’re well-beaten.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given weighed in with his verdict post-match, saying: “It’s a massive result, we said before this game how big it was. I think Gary Neville called it right in commentary, Eddie Howe could smell blood, made positive substitutions and the second goal killed it off.
“It’s a brilliant result in the grand scheme of Champions League football, the boost this will give to the squad, to the players, and hopefully they can get the job done and finish top four. It’s a special day for these fans as well, they’ll be enjoying themselves after the game, brilliant three points.”
