Joe Cole blames Antony for disappointing defeat at Brighton | OneFootball

Former footballer and now pundit Joe Cole has delivered a scathing assessment of Antony following Manchester United’s frustrating 2-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday.

Since coming to Man United in 2022, Antony’s career at Old Trafford has been largely disappointing. While he got off to a bright start by scoring on his debut, the Brazilian has managed just 11 goals and five assists in 83 appearances for the club. (Transfermarkt)

In fact, it was before United’s FA Community Shield match that Antony admitted that last season did not go as planned for him, vowing to improve during the current campaign.

Still, some onlookers have already run out of patience for the former Ajax winger who has so far failed to live up to his £86 million price tag.

While performing his punditry duties for TNT Sports, Cole delivered his raw assessment on Antony, blaming him for United’s narrow loss to Brighton.

“Manchester United brought on Antony who in all due respect, probably isn’t happy to just play 10 or 15 minutes,” Cole explained. “He’s an £80m player.”

He then concluded: “You’re bringing him on and in that crucial moment when there’s a ball to be won, a body needs to be put on the line for your team and for your club, he didn’t do it and it cost his team. That’s the difference.”

In fact, Cole even speculated that Antony’s days at United are numbered. “He probably wants out the door at United and they probably want him out as well.”

Earlier in the transfer window, Antony was the subject of an array of transfer rumours.

During United’s pre-season tour of the US, the Brazilian was linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas.

There was also the claim that FC Barcelona rejected a swap deal involving Antony and Frenkie de Jong, which would see the latter join United.

While Al Nassr reportedly made Antony a top target, no advancements have since been made.

With Amad Diallo in scintillating form, Alejandro Garnacho showing his worth, and Marcus Rashford still a fixture in the starting 11, it appears as if there’s little room for Antony in Erik ten Hag’s team. Perhaps it’s time for United to offload the winger and free up their wage bill.

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