In the closing moments of Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal, Antony expressed visible frustration with manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to have him fill in as a left-back.
Manchester United’s quest for European competition suffered a setback at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the defeat leaving them in eighth place, three points shy of qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
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With several key defenders unavailable, Ten Hag had to improvise, and Casemiro, stepping in at centre-back, inadvertently set up Arsenal’s decisive goal in the 20th minute.
Casemiro lagged behind as Manchester United attempted to build from the back, leaving Kai Havertz unmarked to receive the ball, charge down the line, and set up Leandro Trossard for the goal.
As Manchester United pressed for an equalizer, their defense took on an even more makeshift appearance, with Willy Kambwala joining Casemiro in defense and Antony shifting to left-back.
Antony, previously an Ajax forward, was visibly displeased with the change and showed his discontent when Ten Hag signaled for him to change positions.
In the 87th minute, Ten Hag made a bold triple substitution: Christian Eriksen came on for Sofyan Amrabat, Omari Forson replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Ethan Wheatley took Rasmus Hojlund’s place.
With Wan-Bissaka substituted and an additional forward on the field, Ten Hag reassigned Diogo Dalot to his regular right-back position and directed Antony to switch from the right wing to left-back, placing Forson on the right wing.
A video captured by a fan shows Ten Hag gesturing to Antony, who had been subbed in just 15 minutes prior, to take up the left-back role.
antony’s reaction to having to play left back again ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/t7F3BhuDbA
— belles (@daloting) May 12, 2024
Antony was clearly reluctant about the change and needed guidance to his new position on the field from Scott McTominay. Both McTominay and Eriksen spoke with Antony, attempting to soothe and persuade him.
Despite their efforts, Antony remained visibly upset, gesturing to his head in astonishment at the tactical shift and continuing to express his frustration to McTominay, who tried to encourage him before play continued.
This incident wasn’t Antony’s first display of irritation at being asked to play left-back, recalling a similar situation during United’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool.
During the half-time break of extra-time, the 24-year-old winger could be seen kicking off, even making a ‘mind blown’ gesture before the rest of his team-mates calmed him down.
Asked about playing left-back after the game, Antony told TNT Sports Brasil: ‘Sacrifice, sacrifice, when the coach said that, I found it a bit strange, but sacrificing for the group, sacrificing for the team, that’s fine with me.’
The former Ajax star has endured a difficult season, registering just one goal and one assist in 29 Premier League matches.
