Manchester United were back in the losing column on Saturday. A 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest was one few saw coming after such a great display against Aston Villa.
Although Marcus Rashford soon brought the match back to the starting line, on a day when Man Utd’s defense was ineffective, Andre Onana’s net shook again, causing them to experience their second defeat. 9 in EPL this season.
In fact, the Red Devils had a better position than their opponents, but problems in taking advantage of opportunities and superficial performances from a few individuals, typically Antony, made things get out of controlled by Man Utd
Against Forest, Antony was taken off the field in the 54th minute and Erik ten Hag began to feel that this favorite student would ruin his coaching position at Old Trafford.
Statistics from Sofa Score show that Antony lost the ball 12 times, winning only 4/10 dispute situations. During his time on the field, all the marks Antony left behind were just zero. Number 21 had only one successful passing situation, but was unable to launch any shots, crosses or important passes.
Not stopping there, Antony made MU fans bored with cumbersome but ineffective handling situations as usual. Players born in 2000 were not able to provide much support for the defensive front as lost 6/10 duels.
Schmeichel slams Antony after poor Forest display
Speaking as a pundit on SuperSport, Schmeichel singled out Antony for criticism against Nottingham Forest.
“He’s had an opportunity for a long time, this is a player that hasn’t scored this season, he’s not made an assist and he’s not scored, it’s like he’s not really understanding the game.”
The game in question is football as Antony continually struggles and seems incapable of contributing to goals for United. Schmeichel continued to criticise the winger for his lack of the basics.
“As a winger, there are certain things you expect them to do, go into this area [the byline] and cross the ball on your right foot but he doesn’t… he’s trying here, he’s trying but he hasn’t got the pace and he knows he hasn’t.
“We don’t know what the message is from the manager, he might’ve been asked to do what he’s been doing, then the manager would be responsible for no assists, no goals all of this season, actually back to April of this year.”
Antony is running out of chances at United
Saturday evening was yet another demonstration of the limited chances Antony has and they’re running out.
He was woeful against Forest and he was upstaged by Amad Diallo who was making his comeback display after a near six-month injury lay-off.
With Alejandro Garnacho almost guaranteed to start on the right when the front three are fit, Antony’s opportunities are about to dry up and if Amad is to overtake him too then it’s hard to see where he gets minutes.