Mind blown! - Antony RAGES with Ten Hag after left-back switch

Peter Staunton
  • Updated: 18 Mar 2024 09:42 GMT
  • 4 min read
Antony, Man Utd, 2023/24
© IMAGO

Antony was spotted RAGING at Erik ten Hag’s decision to use him as a left back during half time in extra time of Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool on Sunday.

Article continues under the video

The Brazilian was summoned from the bench towards the end of normal time of the heavyweight clash and delivered a crucial contribution, netting a late equaliser to force extra time for his side.

As United chased the game, Ten Hag replaced THREE of his original back four with changes intended to grab a result.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof all went off with the likes of Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount coming on to replace them.

It meant that by the second half of extra time rolled around, the United manager was scrabbling for solutions in defence.

A makeshift back four eventually saw Antony moved to left back, a decision he was left enraged by, having scored his goal and wanting to stay in attack.

Man Utd’s left-back struggles

The club have struggled all season long in the position with long-term injury trouble for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon sent back to Tottenham early from a loan spell.

Wan-Bissaka started the game there on Sunday while Lindelof as well as Sofyan Amrabat have also filled in there in recent months.

Footage captured from the stands saw Antony dispute the decision to move him to defence, with the Brazil international miming the “mind blown” gesture after he was asked to reposition himself.

He was made to calm down by senior United team-mate Marcus Rashford, who simply encouraged Antony to get on with the job at hand.

Before the second half of extra time kicked off, Antony looked towards the bench and gave one more “come on” gesture.

"Sacrifice, sacrifice, when the coach said that, we find it a bit strange, but sacrificing for the group, sacrificing for the team, that's fine with me,” the €100 million man said afterwards.

The 24-year-old fared well in an unfamiliar position, combining well with Alejandro Garnacho down the left and being utilised well by his team-mates on the overlap.

Antony Manchester United
© IMAGO - Antony Manchester United

The Red Devils also ended up with Bruno Fernandes in a centre-back role although Ten Hag’s gambles paid off in the end.

Forgotten man Amad Diallo latched on to Garnacho’s through ball to finish Liverpool off by a 4-3 scoreline in an all-time classic FA Cup encounter.

Antony’s difficult Man Utd spell

They now face Coventry City in the Wembley semi-finals, with Ten Hag having another shot at cup glory following defeat to Manchester City in last year’s final.

Antony has endured a difficult season under his former Ajax manager, only weighing in with two goals, both in the FA Cup, against Newport County and Liverpool.

He has provided neither a goal nor an assist in the Premier League thus far this season.

The former Sao Paulo winger hasn’t yet justified his record-breaking fee and will be hoping there are no more left-back cameos in his United career to come.

Read more about: Premier League Man Utd Antony

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