Sancho impressed after filling in on the right of United’s attack (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is confident Jadon Sancho can step up and replace Antony in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, believing the winger is now enjoying his best football of the season.
A 4-1 victory for Erik ten Hag’s side against Chelsea on Thursday night saw them confirm their place in next season’s Champions League and move up to third in the Premier League ahead of the final round of games on Sunday.
There is major concern for Brazil international Antony, however, who was stretchered off with what appeared to be a foot injury after 29 minutes.
The 23-year-old was visibly distraught as he was carried off and while ten Hag asked for time to assess the severity of the injury, he described it as a ‘serious injury’ in his post-match press conference.
Marcus Rashford was brought onto replace Antony, taking up his usual role on the left with Sancho moved over to the right wing.
The former Borussia Dortmund star turned in an impressive performance as United created chances at will in the second-half, also providing the assist for Anthony Martial’s goal at the end of the first.
The vast majority of Sancho’s 39 appearances this season have come on the left but Scholes was left impressed with his contribution on the opposite flank.
Sancho provided the assist for United’s second goal (Picture: Getty)
Antony is now considered a major for the FA Cup final on 3 June but the former midfielder believes Sancho is ready to come in and deliver on the biggest stage.
Asked if ten Hag had taken a risk playing Antony so close to the final, Scholes Premier League Productions: ‘You’ve got to play players and sometimes you just get a bit unlucky and he’s been unlucky tonight with Antony.
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‘But, he’s got some good players to come in. Rashford came off the bench tonight, I think Sancho is looking as good as he has looked all season.
‘I’m a little bit sorry the season has got to end for him, he’s looking fit, he’s looking trim, he’s looking quick and he’s looking confident as well. So I think he could come into that final.’
United take on Fulham in their final Premier League game of the season on Sunday.
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United are likely to be without Antony for their trip to Wembley.
