Antony struggled to make an impact during Manchester United’s draw against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)
Gabriel Abgonlahor has urged Erik ten Hag to drop Antony from the Manchester United starting XI ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight showdown against Arsenal.
The Red Devils were on the verge of pulling to within six points of the Premier League leaders last night, but were ultimately forced to settle for a frustrating draw after Michel Olise injury time free-kick rescued a point for Crystal Palace.
It was another frustrating night for United’s headline summer signing Antony who was involved in a row with his teammate Bruno Fernandes for slowing down a move in the first half.
The Brazilian was eventually substituted with 20 minutes remaining, replaced by exciting teenage talent Alejandro Garnacho who created the winning goal in last Saturday’s Manchester derby.
Agbonlahor believes it’s time to take Antony out of the firing line and fears he is displaying many of the same failings that hampered Arsenal’s record signing Nicolas Pepe, currently on loan at Nice, during his unhappy Premier League spell.
He told talkSPORT: ‘Watching Antony last night, he doesn’t do enough for me. He wasn’t happy when he got dragged. He’s giving me Pepe who used to be at Arsenal vibes.
‘He does tricks, doesn’t really beat a player. They need Garnacho to start against Arsenal, they need Jadon Sancho to get back amongst it they need more options on the wing because Antony’s not at it at the moment.
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‘Maybe he will given time, but at the moment he’s not doing enough.’
It was a tough debut, meanwhile, for new United recruit Wout Weghorst who showed some nice touches in the opening period, but faded badly in the second half as United began to retreat into their shells.
‘I think he did quite well,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports of the Dutchman. ‘He has to make adjustments to our game.
‘He doesn’t know our way of play. He only had a short briefing and last training, no games, a couple of days.’
Goalkeeper David De Gea stepped up the level of praise for the 6’6″ striker, feeling that it was a great debut for the loan signing from Burnley.
‘He did really well,’ said the Spaniard. ‘On set pieces he is a big lad, he helps us in both areas and I think it was a great debut.’
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Erik ten Hag’s headline summer signing has flattered to deceive.
