Antony delivers the ideal performance at the perfect time

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The first 58 minutes of Manchester United’s match with Fulham was missing quite a lot. But if you had to pin it down to one word – spark.

United had no spark against Fulham, no excitement, no energy, no fight. Trailing 1-0, Erik ten Hag turned to the livewire sitting on the bench, Antony.

Antony’s impact was immediate. From the moment he came on he was snapping at full-back Antonee Robinson, putting him on edge.

The Brazilian added a spark into United’s play, getting the crowd up, and giving the team exactly what was needed.

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Antony leads United revival

The scorers list will show Bruno Fernandes scored twice and Marcel Sabitzer once, with Luke Shaw and Fred providing an assist each.

But it was Antony who was instrumental in changing the game. He was the one who broke the Fulham offside trap to spring the game changing counter-attack.

Antony’s pass put Jadon Sancho through on goal, who rounded the goalkeeper before shooting – leading to the game-turning handball.

Erik ten Hag told the club website: “I think it was a great counter and it was a great job, what Antony did it was so clever together with Jadon Sancho.”

Later in the game Antony nearly scored after a mesmerising solo run, and had a long range effort saved. His lively display was exactly what was needed.

The Brazilian added shape to United’s team, a width which was previously lacking, and he led United back into the game well.

He completed 16 of 17 passes attempted, 94 per cent, showing the importance of being precise in possession and making the right choices.

Antony created two goalscoring chances, and made three successful dribbles, also winning the ball back three times.

The expectations on Antony are usually too high due to his price tag, but he rarely lets United down. His performance against Fulham was absolutely key.