Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is out with an injury, presenting the coach with a real dilemma.
Erik ten Hag has an unwelcome complication to deal with amid the team’s return to form, an injury to Luke Shaw.
Shaw is at risk of missing the rest of the season, leaving Manchester United without a fit and healthy left-back.
Tyrell Malacia has been out of action all season, and while he is recovering, there is no prospect of him returning to the pitch any time imminently.
Nobody has an appetite to see Victor Lindelof at left-back for the rest of the season, nor Sofyan Amrabat.
While the club could promote youngster Harry Amass, the teenager might not be ready yet, and Erik ten Hag might have to be more creative.
When Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns from injury, Diogo Dalot can shift to the left. Until he does so, United have a problem.
Antony at left-back
One solution might be to utilise Antony at left-back. The Brazilian has struggled in attack this season, scoring his only goal and providing his only assist in the FA Cup against Newport County.
The best part of Antony’s game is his work rate, his ability to hold a position, and his tenacity to fight for every ball.
These are traits which can help him provide a solution for Manchester United at left-back, albeit a temporary one.
He is not contributing goals or assists in attack, so there is no drawback to moving him into defence. The team would not be losing anything in doing so.
What you would get is a fully committed display from a player used to going up and down the flanks, who would be grateful for the game time.
And who knows, he might actually prove an asset in attack, joining forces with Marcus Rashford on the left.
An opportunity for Antony to get on the pitch
Antony’s agent told us earlier this year that he will come back in 2024 as a different player. The problem is, his game time has been limited.
The impressive form of a settled front three of Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, and games once a week recently, has meant there is little room for rotation, and few minutes to go around for Antony.
In fact, Antony has just 19 minutes playing time this month out of a possible 360, an unused substitute in recent wins at Aston Villa and Luton Town.
He will be desperate to prove his worth and demonstrate he should have a future at Old Trafford. If that means filling a need at left-back, so be it.
At the moment United have a £82 million investment sitting on the bench. He may have the game to fill in at left-back, and this could be the solution Erik ten Hag settles on.
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