TOTTENHAM 4-3 MAN UTD: Spurs hung on to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals after nearly throwing away a priceless three-goal second-half lead during a hectic game that would have taught Ruben Amorim an awful lot about his inconsistent squad
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim was not overly impressed by Antony's performance
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Image: AP)
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Ruben Amorim's decision to thrust Antony into his Manchester United starting XI was a stunning vote of confidence - but the results were precisely as expected.
There is something truly admirable about the way no-nonsense Amorim has instantly stamped his authority at Old Trafford while also handing the entirety of his squad the chance to turn over a new leaf.
But starting Antony, just days after Amad's exceptional Manchester derby heroics, felt like a step too far amid five changes that undoubtedly halted United's momentum.
This was not the Brazilian's worst performance in United red - there have been plenty for the record - but what quickly became apparent inside the opening exchanges is that he remains a player that not only struggles with the physicality of English football but also, often fails to execute the basics.
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During a time when Amorim has repeatedly made a conscious effort to underline the importance of restoring standards, it feels hard to defend blatant mediocrity.
Just two minutes into proceedings, Tottenham long-legged wing-back Djed Spence burst up the left flank and was half-heartedly pursued by Antony, whose pathetic sliding tackle and attempt to regain possession was so timid, you almost felt sorry for him.
He was nowhere near the ball and was left laying on the deck as if he was sunbathing as Spence waltzed past him at virtually walking speed.
But that was just the start of things to come as literally moments later Antony was cheaply dispossessed deep into Spurs' half so easily by Yves Bissouma, Amorim bowed his head in frustration and turned his back to the pitch.
The Portuguese boss attempted to coach his winger through the game, barking out countless instructions and while Antony's touches were at times deft, his lack of strength stood out like a sore thumb in a thunderous game that was played at full throttle.
Antony struggled against Tottenham despite making a rare start (
Image:
Manchester United via Getty Imag)
When Antony tried to use his body to protect the ball in the corner at one stage, he was brutally swatted aside by Radu Dragusin as Spurs supporters revelled in the chance to mock the former Ajax winger.
Beyond that, he drifted through the first half like a passenger, watching several inviting back-post crosses skid behind for Tottenham goal-kicks as Amorim continued to prowl his technical area.
And when Spurs were 3-0 up courtesy of Dominic Solanke's second goal of the night - it was no surprise to see Antony one of three stars hooked, he even started walking to the touchline as the board was being prepared in anticipation that he would be subbed.
He was not the only lacklustre United starlet, there were several other shaky displays too, but £85million price-tag aside, you expect so much more from a player that has been so desperately short of minutes.
Starting a match of this importance was basically a golden ticket for Antony as his performances have not warranted the opportunity yet there was seemingly no desire to make his mark and potentially, turn the corner.
Amad scored and impressed again - this time from the bench
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Image:
PA)
Within minutes of Joshua Zirkzee and Amad being thrown on from the bench, both had a goal to their name and United were somehow on the verge of wrestling back the tie after looking dead and buried.
It's utterly remarkable to reminisce that upon signing from Ajax in September 2022, Antony struck in three successive Premier League games against Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton also netting on his debut against the Gunners.
Amad's work rate and desire alone puts Antony's to shame and that's without analysing his supreme technical ability which has quickly become a major asset for United under Amorim.
The problem United have is that there will be very few takers for the 24-year-old on the back of this kind of form as any transfer would feel like a gamble.
Even Jonny Evans now has the same number of goals as his underwhelming team-mate this season.
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