Manchester United’s £85million signing Antony reportedly ignored orders from Erik ten Hag to track back and help the defence during Sunday’s 6-3 drubbing by Manchester City.
While the Brazilian did score on Sunday on what was a humiliating afternoon for United, he didn’t do enough defensively.
Sources say that Ten Hag told Antony he would have to help out Dalot by falling back to the defence.
But Antony left both his manager and Dalot infuriated after he seemingly forgot this aspect of the game-plan.
Right-back Dalot was seen remonstrating, as he was exposed by Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
Dalot was booked early for fouling Grealish and walked a tightrope.
Left-back Tyrell Malacia was also booked in the first-half as City used the flanks excellently. Jadon Sancho, on his side, wasn’t much better than Antony when it came to tracking back.
Both Phil Foden and Erling Braut Haaland scored hat-tricks, with Antony reducing the arrears to 4-1 on 56 minutes before two late Anthony Martial goals made the scoreline slightly more respectable.
Former United star Paul Scholes made reference to the lack of work rate by Antony and Sancho in an Instagram post.
Accompanied by a picture of his former United team-mates Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, Scholes wrote: ‘Anyone remember when wingers used to help their full-backs?’
READ ALSO:
Fani-Kayode Drops Case Against Estranged Wife
Given Antony’s experience of Ten Hag’s playing style, his unwillingness to help out the defence was all the more surprising.
In the current circumstance, a furious Ten Hag may unleash disciplinary actions against Antony.
United have the opportunity to return to winning ways on Thursday night when they play Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus. United’s Thursday’s fixture is their latest UEFA Europa League fixture.
They are back in English Premier League action with a visit to Everton on Sunday night.
