According to Ryan Taylor of the Mirror, Ruben Amorim was clearly unhappy by Manchester United winger Antony’s “mediocre” performance during their 4-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal.
Despite being granted just his second start of the season and his second under Amorim, the Brazilian failed to make an impression on the Portuguese boss on Thursday night.
Alongside Bruno Fernandes, Antony began the game as a playmaker, but in the first half, he hardly threatened Spurs’ defense.
The 24-year-old was substituted by Amad Diallo in the 55th minute after completing only 13 passes, winning four of his 14 duels, and losing control 11 times.
Taylor claims that when Yves Bissouma dispossessed the £86 million acquisition in the first half, there was a specific instance during Antony’s time on the field that caused Amorim to “bow his head in frustration”:
Amorim dropped his head in exasperation and turned his back to the field when Yves Bissouma cheaply dispossessed Anthony deep inside Spurs’ half.
“Although Antony’s touches were occasionally skillful, his lack of strength stood out like a sore thumb in a thunderous game that was played at full throttle.” The Portuguese manager tried to teach his winger through the game by giving him endless instructions.
After a lackluster showing on Thursday, United was eliminated from the Carabao Cup. Altay Bayindir, the goalkeeper, had a forgettable game in between the posts, and numerous defensive blunders contributed to the defeat.
After making a brief appearance against Manchester City last weekend, it is unclear if Antony will be included in Amorim’s plans for United’s upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday.
In their 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup, the Brazilian winger, who has made 10 appearances this season across all competitions, scored once.
He and Christian Eriksen may leave Old Trafford in January, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, after struggling for consistent playing time under Amorim since he took over in November.
According to reports, the two are top earners who might be let go next month to increase United’s spending on new players.
