Peter Schmeichel believes Antony does not ‘understand the game’ and has urged Erik ten Hag to consider dropping the Brazilian after his latest poor display.

Antony had another night to forget on Saturday as Manchester United ended 2023 with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Dropped for the win against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, Antony regained his place in the starting XI at the City Ground due to Rasmus Hojlund‘s absence, with Marcus Rashford moved up-front and Alejandro Garnacho switching to the left wing.

But the 23-year-old once again failed to make an impression and was replaced by Amad Diallo after 54 minutes, prompting Schmeichel to suggest Ten Hag should drop the former Ajax player. 
Antony was hooked after 54 minutes of Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest

Antony was hooked after 54 minutes of Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest

Antony was hooked after 54 minutes of Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest 

Peter Schmeichel has questioned Erik ten Hag's decision to keep faith with Antony

Peter Schmeichel has questioned Erik ten Hag's decision to keep faith with Antony

Peter Schmeichel has questioned Erik ten Hag’s decision to keep faith with Antony

‘I really think he should rethink Antony’s position,’ the former United goalkeeper told South African broadcaster SuperSport. 

‘He doesn’t give much to the team. He frustrates his teammates. It’s really frustrating.

‘He’s had an opportunity for a long time, this is a player that hasn’t scored this season, he’s not made an assist and he’s not scored, it’s like he’s not really understanding the game.’ 

Antony became the second most expensive player in United’s history when he followed Ten Hag to Old Trafford from Ajax for £82million last year, but has never come close to living up to his price tag.

The Brazilian is yet to record his first goal or assist in 21 appearances in all competitions this season.

Antony last scored for United when they beat Forest at the City Ground on April 16, with only one assist and no goals in his 30 intervening appearances.

Jadon Sancho has more goals and assists over the same period, despite being banished from the first team since September.

Facundo Pellistri has as many assists this season as Antony has since last April, despite making just two starts.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are enduring miserable seasons themselves, yet they both have more goals and assists this term than Antony has delivered over the last eight months.

The Brazilian hasn't scored in 30 appearances in all competitions and has just one assist to his name over the same period

The Brazilian hasn't scored in 30 appearances in all competitions and has just one assist to his name over the same period

The Brazilian hasn’t scored in 30 appearances in all competitions and has just one assist to his name over the same period

Schmeichel suggested ten Hag may have to shoulder responsibility for Antony's poor form

Schmeichel suggested ten Hag may have to shoulder responsibility for Antony's poor form

Schmeichel suggested ten Hag may have to shoulder responsibility for Antony’s poor form

Schmeichel acknowledged Antony’s dismal product was not down to a lack of effort and questioned whether he was simply following Ten Hag’s instructions, in which case the Dutchman would have to shoulder the blame.

‘As a winger, there are certain things you expect them to do, go into this area [the byline] and cross the ball on your right foot but he doesn’t,’ he said. 

‘He’s trying here, he’s trying but he hasn’t got the pace and he knows he hasn’t.

‘We don’t know what the message is from the manager, he might’ve been asked to do what he’s been doing, then the manager would be responsible for no assists, no goals all of this season.’

Speaking after United’s defeat at Forest, Gary Neville savaged the club for paying £85m for Antony.

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‘Scouts can’t have gone off to watch Antony and signed him off as being worth £85m,’ he said.

‘It looks like they’ve allowed Erik ten Hag to overrule them which is worrying because you need strength of leadership at the very top.

‘I blame the football club for brining him in for £85m. It’s not that boy’s fault that he’s been brought in as one of the most expensive wide players in world football.

‘He should never have been brought in for that money.’

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