Antony has already missed a chance to become Man Utd starter, Ten Hag gave him an opening

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Manchester United winger Antony faces a fight to get into the first team – but chances might be tough to come by.

Antony began Manchester United’s opening game of 2023/24 in the starting line-up. Now, as we enter 2024/25, he will be lucky to see the pitch at all.

In the Community Shield, Antony was an unused substitute. This was despite giving an impassioned interview in which he promised to contribute positively, days before the game.

Antony had promised to deliver goals and assists – but he can only do that if he makes it onto the pitch, and he faces a real fight to do so right now.

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Antony’s game time

Back in January, Antony’s agent exclusively told United In Focus the winger would be a different player in the second half of the season.

Antony did contribute a crucial equaliser in the FA Cup win over Liverpool, and also supplied an excellent cross for Alejandro Garnacho’s goal against Chelsea. But those highlights were few and far between.

When it really matters, Antony is no longer part of Manchester United’s best XI. He did not play a single minute in the FA Cup Final either, and played just 20 minutes out of a possible 270 from the team’s three final league games.

It’s no coincidence this crossed over with Amad getting first team chances. As we saw in pre-seaosn, Amad just looks like better player, more unpredictable, two-footed, and dangerous in front of goal.

With Alejandro Garnacho playing on the right too in the Community Shield, Antony is down the pecking order.

A lack of game time makes it difficult for any player to find form, especially one who may be low in confidence, or is anxious to succeed, unable to play freely.

Antony still has a lot to offer, and there will be chances through the season amid rotation in the Europa League. But he’s already missed an opportunity to be fast-tracked into the XI.

Antony should have taken left-back chance

Erik ten Hag gave Antony a chance to play another position last season, with the Brazilian getting a chance to play as an emergency left-back.

He did not approve, appearing visibly annoyed, also frustrating manager Erik ten Hag in the process.

And in an interview last week Antony declared he does not want to play at left-back

But Antony has the game to play at left-back, he is naturally left-footed, and he has strong defensive qualities.

Manchester United need a left-back with Luke Shaw injured again and Tyrell Malacia still two months away.

If Antony had embraced the opportunity to play left-back, and really worked on it, he could have become a more important member of the squad.

This Friday against Fulham, Antony will start on the bench. If he had chosen to take the left-back chance, he could have been in the starting line-up.