Manchester United star Antony failed to impress in his side’s 3-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
Manchester United were impressive for the most part as they secured victory against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night. But while Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Fred all netted, it was another evening to forget for Antony. He’s now gone 11 games for club and country, meaning the Red Devils have a problem when it comes to their £86million man.
Back in the summer, Manchester United knew they needed a specialist for the right wing.
With Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho better on the opposite flank, along with youngster Alejandro Garnacho, Erik ten Hag was aware that was an area of his squad that needed strengthening.
But while United pondered a move for Cody Gakpo, who is now poised to join Liverpool, Antony arrived instead.
Ten Hag had pressed and pressed the Red Devils board into releasing more funds to acquire the Brazil international, who he’d previously managed at Ajax.
And in the end the Glazers relented, with United paying a huge £86m to secure the player’s signature.
Manchester United star Antony started Nottingham Forest Premier League win (Image: GETTY)
Initially, it looked money well spent.
Antony impressed on his United debut, opening the scoring as Arsenal were beaten 3-1 on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.
He then followed that up with a consolation, an impressive one, in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
And Antony was also on target as United beat Everton 2-1 at the start of October, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting a winner that day.
In the time since, however, Antony has struggled. Injuries have been a factor in that but, in the wake of his flat display against Forest, he’s gone 11 matches without a goal or assist for club and country.
Certainly, he’s not produced the form you’d expect from the second most-expensive signing in the club’s entire history.
Forest were poor at Old Trafford throughout the contest, resembling a side who will be lucky to avoid relegation come the end of the season.
But, still, Antony was unable to showcase his talents as United battled their way to all three points.
He had a glorious opportunity to end his goal duck in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes setting him through on goal.
Ten Hag praises Raphael Varane’s professionalism after his quick return
Raphael Varane returned to action for Manchester United last night to make his first appearance since the World Cup final.
Varane was pressed into making a swift return due to Victor Lindelof being ill and Harry Maguire only just being ruled fit enough to play on the bench.
Luke Shaw had to partner Varane at centre-back, with Lisandro Martinez not yet back from Argentina’s World Cup squad.
It was not an issue for Varane to make a quick return, Erik ten Hag explained, praising his professionalism.
Varane played 76 minutes and helped United to keep a clean sheet in the 3-0 win.
Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ten Hag praises Varane’s professionalism
Speaking to MUTV, Ten Hag said Varane assured him he would be ready to play.
Ten Hag explained: “I had a talk with him yesterday, that is the way he is and he takes responsibility.
“That’s why he is so successful and is the reason why he has won so many trophies, he is so important for the squad, for the team and the manager. He directly told me he is ready.”
The manager’s comments underline how highly he rates the defender.
He said he did have some limited training before the match, and ‘took care’ with him considering his injury history, however, he described the situation as an ’emergency’ from a selection point of view.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said: “Rapha, I think, he shows once again his great personality, the great standards he is giving Manchester United by coming from the World Cup.
“We had a problem in the centre-half position and he is taking responsibility to play and he performed really well. He was, once again, very important for our team.”
Casemiro filled in during midweek, while young defender Rhys Bennett was also on the bench, a player Ten Hag talked up, and impressed in a recent friendly with Real Betis.
Having Varane back was a preferable situation to either these options, being able to select a two-time World Cup finalist in defence.
Last night was his first United game since the mid-October draw against Chelsea. It was good to see him back.
Source: express.co.uk; unitedinfocus.com
