Gary Neville believes that Antony should try and copy the style of a former Manchester City star who left the club in the summer.
Manchester United lost 2-1 against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a rather forgettable contest as a Marcus Rashford goal wasn’t enough as the pressure builds on Erik ten Hag.
The attacking intent we saw against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa was not there to be seen at all from Erik ten Hag’s team and that is partly down to the Brazilian’s struggles.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest looked comfortable dealing with Antony, the former Ajax winger, with the 22-year-old failing to create any chances of real quality.
Neville on Antony
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary former United right-back Gary Neville was critical of the Brazilian’s impact and inconsistencies since moving to the club in the summer of 2022.
As well as being critical of the winger, Neville believes he has to try to watch and replicate former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, who left the Etihad Stadium in the summer to play in the Saudi Pro League.
“He has to simplify his game,” Neville said, “you look at (Riyad) Mahrez when he was at Manchester City and he was known for cutting inside and shooting.
“We don’t really know what Antony is going to do with the ball once he gets it, perhaps he needs to study Mahrez’s game because he can do that. He’s just too inconsistent at this moment in time.”
Antony, however, is far away from matching the Algerian’s output and the Brazilian was grimacing when he came off as he was replaced by the returning Amad Diallo with just 53 minutes on the clock.
Amad’s impact
Well, within one minute of the Ivorian coming on for the Red Devils, it was nice interchange down the right before a Diogo Dalot shot struck the post.
It was a simple move but straightaway the winger was much more positive than the Brazilian and you wonder whether the former Atalanta forward could be starting more games in the coming weeks.
Ten Hag simply has to start playing the Ivorian because continuing with Antony could cost the Dutchman his job.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
