Manchester United have already got the perfect Antony replacement, he could be 10 times the player

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Against Fenerbahce, Antony put another nail in the coffin of his Manchester United career with a horrid cameo.

On a night in Istanbul in which Erik ten Hag made multiple mistakes, it is undeniable that his biggest error was the treatment of Amad Diallo.

Noussair Mazraoui started the 1-1 draw in attacking midfield, with the experimental decision viewed as a complete failure as the natural right-back looked out of place in the No.10 position.

Andre Onana praised Mazraoui for his efforts, but ultimately it was a bizarre decision for Amad Diallo to be snubbed as an attacking midfielder.

• READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back

Ten Hag doubled down on his insult to the £19m in the 73rd minute when he opted to bring on Antony ahead of the 22-year-old Ivorian. Only for the Brazilian winger to be withdrawn through injury 16 minutes later.

There could however be a silver lining from Antony’s injury if Ten Hag makes the decision every manager of Manchester United should.

• READ: Who is Antony? Inside the life of Manchester United’s big money Brazilian winger

Antony’s injury could open the door for an academy promotion

Antony picked up what looked to be a serious injury against Fenerbahce – judging solely off his reaction as he was clearly distressed.

Knowing his days are numbered at United and running out of opportunities to impress, a long-term injury might even mean we don’t see Antony again.

But his injury leaves the Red Devils short on the wings with just three options which is not enough considering how thick and fast games are now coming.

He could find his solution by following the United motto. Youth. Courage. Success.

With rotation needed, Ten Hag should be bold and follow the club’s motto of turning to the academy – where he has numerous exceptional talents at his disposal.

Ethan Ennis has been impressive for United’s U21s this campaign so far and could be deserving of promotion – however, it actually is a U18 academy gem who we think could make the step up immediately.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Shea Lacey could be Manchester United’s next wonderkid to breakthrough

With Antony potentially out, it could be time for Shea Lacey to finally get involved in the senior team.

• READ MORE: Who is Man Utd’s Shea Lacey? Age, Position, Stats and more

Lacey has long been tipped as the next big thing within Carrington and after an injury-plagued 2023/24 the Liverpudlian has returned with a vengeance – catching fire in the first few games of his season.

The 17-year-old has scored twice already for the U18s while has also been among the assists for the U19 UEFA Youth League side this past Wednesday – with a brilliant piece of individual play creating one of the goals.

Lacey resembles the likes of Lionel Messi and Phil Foden with his silky dribbling on the ball, and this season he has been showcasing a serious improvement in his output, regularly looking a cut above others at the level.

At this rate, it won’t be long until he is knocking on Ten Hag’s door, so possibly it should be the United manager who knocks on Lacey’s and brings him into the fold to occupy the same role as Antony, coming off the bench every so often.