Ten Hag must follow Ronaldo example as Antony ignores him
Robin Bairner
- 5 Oct 2022 08:24 CDT
- 3 min read
Manchester United forward Antony ignored Erik ten Hag’s tactical instructions during Sunday’s 6-3 Premier League loss to Manchester City.
The afternoon was a chastening one for the Red Devils, who were comprehensively outplayed by their neighbours, showing the size of the gulf they must cross if they are to become serious title hopeful again.
It was also notable that Cristiano Ronaldo was glued to the bench throughout the game, with manager Ten Hag controversially stating that he had not been introduced due to respect for what he has achieved in the past.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has found himself regularly warming the bench lately. The theory goes that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not capable of playing the pressing style that Ten Hag wants.
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Antony gives Ten Hag a headache
Antony’s attitude on Sunday throws up a problem for the manager, then. If Ronaldo is benched for being perceived to be unable to press, what punishment should follow for a player who The Sun reports wilfully ignored his manager’s instructions?
Of course, the Brazil international’s actions put Ten Hag in a difficult spot. Manchester United spent more on Antony in terms of an upfront fee than any other club did on a single player this season when he arrived for €95 million.
“Anyone remember when wingers used to help their full-backs?” Paul Scholes cheekily posted on Instagram in the aftermath of the match, seemingly a dig at both Antony and Jadon Sancho, who was equally poor in protecting Tyrell Malacia.
The only suitable punishment for the South American is for him to be cast to the bench as Ronaldo has been in recent weeks. Indeed, it is overtime that the Portuguese got another crack at the Premier League, having started only the 4-0 loss against Brentford this season.
If Ten Hag does not follow the same logic with Antony as he has with Ronaldo, it will simply be another sign that CR7’s time at Old Trafford is up.
