Legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has labelled Antony a ‘one trick pony’ following his poor performance in their Europa League win over Omonia.
The Red Devils were staring down the face of an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Cypriot minnows until Marcus Rashford turned the tide, and Erik ten Hag’s side eventually prevailed 3-2 to move into second place in their group, just three points behind Spanish side Real Sociedad.
But it was not a pretty performance, with United looking toothless in the final third for much of the encounter despite dominating possession.
And change was only really sparked by substitutions, as Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both came off the bench to good effect.
After the game, Ten Hag explained the rationale behind his changes, telling BT Sport that “We were too static and we have to make the opposite movement to get behind. That’s why also we make two subs in that time and they had really an impact.”
And former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was quick to level blame at both Antony and Sancho, who began the game in the wide areas for his old club.
“He was right about the wingers being static,” Scholes told TV company BT Sport. “Sancho never really runs in behind. He needs a fast left-back really or a centre-forward to link up with and he hasn’t really got that at the moment.
“Antony on the other side as well, he doesn’t run in behind. He seems to be a bit of a one-trick pony.
“He’s always cutting inside and either passing back to the full-back or having a shot. You’re thinking he needs to develop a little bit. It’s still early days for him, we know that.”
Having just arrived from Ajax in a deal worth over £84m, the Red Devils will be hoping that Antony is not as easy to figure out for Premier League defenders as Scholes makes out.
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