Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer was far from impressed by Antony’s performance against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round last night.
The Brazil international was reinstated into the starting XI for the first time since the fourth round win at Newport County where he scored and assisted.
Antony had a lively start for Manchester United at City Ground, hitting the woodwork in the fourth minute. He went on to have two shots on target.
The former Ajax man also created four chances for his teammates, but Shearer was not pleased. He said that Antony did not warrant to stay on the pitch after his substitution.
The BBC pundit added that it was the ‘same old’ with him cutting inside and handing possession to someone else. He was ‘nowhere near enough’ for the money he cost.
He said: “Antony hasn’t done anywhere near enough to warrant staying on the pitch tonight. Same old, same old, he cuts inside and gives the ball to someone else. Nowhere near enough from someone who cost that much money.”
Antony has had a difficult second season with the Red Devils. Aside from his goal and assist at Newport, he has yet to make any other goal contributions.
He recently had an extended spell on the bench as a result. The winger got the nod over Omari Forson yesterday and it was a much improved showing.
Of course, he did not make a difference to the scoresheet, but we believe Shearer was too critical on Antony, who had a solid first half performance.
The 24-year-old deserves to keep his place in the starting XI when United face off against arch-rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
United face a huge challenge in the derby, but the game is a must-win to avoid losing ground on Aston Villa in the race for the final Champions League spot.
Stats from Sofascore.com
