Man Utd told to get rid of player in January because his 'personality doesn't sit right with his teammates'
Published 13:11 11 Dec 2024 GMT
Ruben Amorim is approaching his first transfer window as Manchester United manager.
Manchester United have been told to sell one of their players in January in what would be one of Ruben Amorim's first key decisions as manager.
Amorim took charge at Old Trafford on November 11 after leaving Sporting Lisbon and has won two of his first five games in charge in all competitions.
But a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford brought familiar defensive failings back into focus, and United are down in 13th in the Premier League table.
If Amorim hadn't previously realised how significant a rebuild job he has on his hands at United, that will have been emphasised further when sporting director Dan Ashworth was reportedly relieved of his duties - the club insist that the exit was via mutual consent - earlier this week.
The January transfer window is likely to be a quiet one in terms of incomings, with Amorim himself claiming that players may need to be sold to raise funds.
Now, former United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen - who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at the club - has urged Amorim to part ways with winger Antony in January.
United spent £86 million to bring Antony to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, with the pursuit fuelled by former manager Erik ten Hag. However, he has never found form at the club.
Meulensteen told Lucky Block: "Manchester United might have to bite the bullet and cut their losses with Antony in January, because I don't think he has the attributes to contribute to what Ruben Amorim wants.
Man Utd star Antony pictured (Image: Getty)
Man Utd star Antony pictured (Image: Getty)
"I find it difficult to see where he fits into this team. I think he's been one of the biggest misfiring transfers in the Premier League in recent years."
The Dutchman continued: "I think the biggest thing that has held Antony back is his own personality. He's got certain characters that don't sit very well with some of the other players."
"Away from that, though, there's a lack of effectiveness as a player - he's very predictable in the way he wants to cut in on his left foot.
"We hardly see any quality assists or chance creation from him and I think we could see him elsewhere by the end of January."
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Antony, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Fan Reactions