Manchester United saw Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford combine to great effect against Brentford as Antony watched on from the bench.
Manchester United got back to winning ways on Saturday, beating Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford.
This could have easily been another miserable day for Erik ten Hag as Brentford took the lead through Ethan Pinnock.
United hit back in the second half though with Alejandro Garnacho firing home from Marcus Rashford’s cross.
Rasmus Hojlund won it with a deft finish, dinking the ball over Mark Flekken from a Bruno Fernandes flick.
United’s attacking players stepped it up and combined for the winning goal, leaving Antony as an unused substitute.
Ajax discussions over Antony
Antony watched on from the bench for the full game as Ten Hag chose not to look in his direction with his substitutions.
The Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League game this season and has only played 27 minutes across two substitute appearances.
United agreed to pay up to £85million for Antony in 2022 but that could go down as one of the club’s worst ever signings.
Antony started so well with three goals in three games but has struggled ever since.
That has sparked rumours of a potential exit and reports suggest that United would be willing to take a huge loss by selling him for £40million.
Dutch pundits have been suggesting that a loan return to Ajax may be best for all, more than two years since Erik ten Hag and Antony left the club for United, and reporter Mike Verweij has now offered some information.
Verweij is one of the most reliable sources in the Netherlands and he has told the Kick-Off podcast that Ajax have ‘quite a bit of doubt’ about re-signing the winger.
Ajax are internally discussing a move but don’t seem to be completely convinced about a deal to bring him back to Amsterdam.
“Within Ajax there is also quite a bit of doubt about bringing Antony back, if that opportunity arises. There is internal discussion about that,” said Verweij, as quoted by FC Update.
United’s Europa League start bad news for Antony
Antony will be wondering when his next chance will arrive.
A goal from the penalty spot against Barnsley in the EFL Cup has not brought Antony more first-team minutes.
Since that goal on September 17, Antony has managed just 48 minutes of action across all competitions.
Antony may hope for opportunities in Europe and United return to Europa League action against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce this week.
The problem is that United have started the Europa League campaign with two draws against Twente and Porto.
Ten Hag needs to pick his strongest side in order to try and pick up some results and get United back on track in Europe.
That means that Garnacho and Rashford may be relied upon again on Thursday night, leaving Antony on the fringes again.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
