If Erik Ten Hag can’t play me he should just sell me out of Manchester United or he loans me out of the Club- Manchester United FLOP Antony becoming ‘impatient’ over lack of Manchester United playing time
According to Erik ten Hag, Antony has become “impatient” due to limited playing time at Manchester United.
He has appeared only once this season, as a substitute in the 89th minute during the match against Brighton on August 25. Antony was expected to feature in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, but Matthijs de Ligt had to leave due to cramp, and Casemiro came on in his place.
Last season, Antony played in 21 of United’s 52 matches, and he was not included in any of their five pre-season games. Other wingers like Amad, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford have all scored this season, and Ten Hag could not promise Antony a start against League One Barnsley in the League Cup third round on Tuesday night.
Antony is the second most expensive player at United after Paul Pogba. The club bought him from Ajax for an initial fee of £81.3 million during the 2022 transfer window, but he has scored only 11 goals in 83 appearances.
Garnacho joined Atletico Madrid in 2020, and Amad, considered a young talent, was signed from Atalanta for £19 million shortly after.
When asked if Antony was struggling due to competition from younger wingers, Ten Hag responded, “This is professional football, high-level football. These are the realities. Players must fight for their positions. You select the starting XI based on the best dynamism and chemistry. We have two excellent options, and we are pleased with that.
“Two players have developed within the group and the squad. Now, it is Antony’s turn to return to form, and he has the skills to do so. When he makes the right choices, he can compete with them.
Ten Hag further explained Antony’s current situation, saying, “The other players are performing well and contributing significantly. We have Amad and Garnacho—both very effective. Rashford has been scoring recently.
“He needs to show his worth in training and improve to overcome his competition. Naturally, he is impatient and eager to play and compete for his place.”
It appears that Antony is currently facing competition for his spot at Manchester United due to the strong performances of other wingers like Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford. According to Erik ten Hag, Antony is eager and “impatient” to play, but his limited appearances this season—just one brief substitution—reflect the depth of talent in United’s squad and Antony’s need to prove himself in training.
Despite being the club’s second most expensive signing, Antony has struggled to consistently break into the starting lineup, especially with his goal contributions falling short of expectations. Ten Hag emphasized that Antony must compete and improve, recognizing that football at this level requires constant performance and adaptation.
Players like Amad and Garnacho have seized their opportunities, which has put more pressure on Antony to regain form and make a case for his inclusion. Ten Hag has not ruled out Antony’s return, but for now, he expects Antony to work hard and demonstrate his value amid fierce competition for starting spots.
