Manchester United would have expected the club to bounce back and put up a big performance against Omonia Nicosia, after their 6-3 loss at the hands of Manchester City at the weekend. Unfortunately, this performance left a lot to be desired as well and raised more questions than provide answers.
Manchester United did escape the game with a win by the skin of their teeth, beating Omonia Nicosia 3-2, with Marcus Rashford scoring a brace and Anthony Martial getting his name on the scoresheet as well.
It was a frustrating evening for a lot of Manchester United players though, who were expected to do much better than they did against the side from Cyprus. One of them was Antony, who was signed for a huge transfer fee in the summer from Ajax.
And Erik ten Hag has been told to drop the Brazilian winger in the upcoming game against Everton at the weekend. As reported by TEAMtalk, Paul Scholes told BT Sport:
"“There aren’t a lot of games Cristiano will be able to play in but I think Everton could be one of them.“It’s not a massive pitch, he won’t have to be sprinting out everywhere, working the channels.“When he’s got two wide lads who have got goals in them, I think the two wide lads that played today, Jadon Sancho and Antony, I know Antony scored on Sunday [against Man City], but I think Martial and Rashford look more dangerous.“I think they’ve got a little bit more about them. They can go either way, they’re quick, defenders will be frightened to death of them.”"
Manchester United boss told to drop summer signing
It is safe to say that Antony has had an up and down start at Manchester United. On one hand, he has scored in both his appearances in the Premier League and that too against Arsenal and Manchester City, the top two teams in the table right now.
But then, on the other hand, he has had a few shaky performances as well. It would be safe to say that the Brazilian feels like a bit of an enigma right now.
Would it be the wisest decision to drop him right now? Most probably not. Especially since Cristiano Ronaldo put in a terrible display against Omonia Nicosia.
Instead, a front three of Rashford, Martial and Antony might be the more likely route that Ten Hag will take against Frank Lampard’s Everton side.