Manchester United enter yet another summer burdened with difficult questions about their identity, direction, and squad structure. The appointment of Rúben Amorim sparked optimism, but the club ended last season in disarray. After years of erratic boardroom decisions and on-pitch failures, the margin for error has all but vanished. Supporters are no longer swayed by promises, they demand results.In this tense environment, several player names have resurfaced that split opinion. Chief among them are Antony, the high-priced winger signed in 2022, and André Onana, the goalkeeper criticised for a string of costly errors. Just when many had begun writing them off at Old Trafford, club legend Edwin van der Sar has stepped forward in their defence.The former Dutch international believes that Antony still has something to offer under Amorim. While acknowledging the Brazilian’s underwhelming spell at United, Van der Sar pointed to his recent resurgence at Real Betis, where he registered nine goals and five assists while playing with a freedom he never found in Manchester, as a reason for renewed optimism.Van der Sar was just as firm in his support for Onana. He admitted that the Cameroonian had endured a difficult season, but insisted the 29-year-old has the qualities needed to succeed. Having watched him develop at Ajax and perform on the biggest stages in the Champions League, Van der Sar argued that Onana should not be discarded so quickly. In his view, United would be better served focusing on more pressing areas of the squad rather than rushing to replace their goalkeeper.Antony and Onana: Can they reclaim their spot at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim?Asked for his thoughts on the club’s transfer dealings, Van der Sar told The Sun: “They’re on the right track. I think they’re signing a more experienced striker, maybe another one on the way. The two players they signed in the winter break [Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven] are good, so it should be fine and give the faith to the manager. Maybe [Alejandro] Garnacho is going to go. I would say bring Antony back, but I’m not sure if that’s realistic.”In a separate interview with talkSPORT, Van der Sar encouraged United to keep the faith in Onana. He said: “I knew him already for a long time, for four or five years at Ajax. I trained with him and I saw him coming… he has great strengths, he’s athletic, he has good reaction saves, he’s good with his feet and everything, so I’m sure he’s going to get over it. Sometimes it’s not easy, the performances or the pressure there is, but I’ve seen him play for Ajax and Inter, I’ve seen him play Champions League finals so I’m sure that’s going to be fine for next season.”If Rúben Amorim can recreate that environment at Old Trafford, one that offers freedom within structure, then it’s not unreasonable to consider giving Antony a second chance. But therein lies the dilemma. Every minute invested in Antony is one that potentially comes at the expense of another player, perhaps more consistent or better suited to Amorim’s philosophy. At a club where every decision is magnified, the cost of that gamble could be high.Just days ago, Antony opened up about his time at United, revealing feelings of hopelessness during his lowest moments. His recent recall to the Brazil national team has revived some belief, but whether that translates into sustained impact at Manchester United remains to be seen.More Manchester United News:With Onana, the concern is more technical than emotional. His errors have been costly, shaking the defence’s confidence and compromising results. Yet, in an era that values ball-playing goalkeepers, Onana possesses qualities few others offer. He’s agile, composed under pressure, and can initiate attacks with precision. When he’s on form, he looks like a modern goalkeeper built for Amorim’s style of play. Replacing him after just one season would signal panic rather than progress.Ultimately, Ruben Amorim must soon decide: does he attempt to restore what remains, or start anew? Redemption has its appeal, it can create strong narratives and forge resilient squads, but it carries undeniable risk. In my view, betting on Antony again is a leap with little to back it. His past performances have not earned him the benefit of the doubt. Onana, despite his flaws, has shown glimpses of high-level ability and may flourish under a better-structured system.