Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Antony to revive his form after falling down the pecking order for a starting role.
The Brazilian joined the club from Ajax in the summer of 2022. He was an undisputed starter from the right wing for most of the 2022/23 campaign.
We saw something similar at the start of this season but since the New Year, Antony has been restricted to the bench for the league games.
The winger was a 99th-minute substitute against Fulham last weekend where Omari Forson was handed his maiden start.
When pressed on the late substitution, Ten Hag said that he backed Antony for a long time and he’s unstoppable when in form.
The manager added that he is very confident that Antony will fight back for his place, but he needs to wait for his chance for now.
He told Manutd.com: “Antony, I backed him for a long time and I know his abilities and he has great abilities, when he plays how I know from the past, he’s unstoppable.”
“No defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards. So, when he plays that game, then he will perform. I’m sure and I’m very confident he will for the future.
“I know, I’m sure he’s resilient, he’s a character and he will fight back. So, I back him in that place and he is now to wait for his chance and, once he’s there, he has to pick up.”
Antony no longer an assured starter under Ten Hag
The former Ajax man was assured his place on the right wing in almost every game last term, but the situation has changed amid his poor run of form.
The €35 million-rated star has had a dismal second season at United. He has failed to register a goal or an assist in his 20 appearances in the Premier League.
His only contributions have been in the 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.
Alejandro Garnacho has been ahead of him in the pecking order for the right wing role in recent months.
Last weekend, we saw Garnacho move to the left flank after Rasmus Hojlund’s injury, but Ten Hag opted to pick Forson over Antony on the right side of attack against Fulham.
Judging by the manager’s presser, Antony seems unlikely to start against Nottingham Forest. It could be Amad Diallo, who received praise from Ten Hag for his cameo last weekend.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
