Antony – where do we go from here?

To first understand Antony, it is important to understand the role a right winger in an Erik Ten Hag Manchester United side.

To break this down further, you have two main roles of a RW – ‘in possession’ and ‘out of possession’ play.

When in possession, the role of a RW is to keep minimum width, to create space for your teammates but also position yourself close enough to play that you are always an option. Once the ball is received, the RW in this system is often isolated against a full back and challenged with either battling them in a 1v1, or exploiting the space created by teammates with a pass or dribble.

When out of possession, the RW is essentially tasked with 2 pressing roles. This is to press both the LB and left-sided CB, often achieved with an arching pressing run that helps cut off both passing options. When properly executed this gives a numerical advantage in pressing elsewhere on the pitch and should allow for easier recovery of possession.

So now we understand the role, in its two components, of a RW under Ten Hag it perhaps explains why he is such a decisive player.

Most football fans, understandably so, process football when the ball is in possession. When Antony has the ball, he has become increasingly frustrating to watch. For a €100m man, most fans expect the complete package. With a lack of explosive pace, an over-reliance on his left foot, and some poor decision making and execution Antony has become the subject of many fans frustrations.

So why does he keep getting picked?

Overpaying for Antony is seen as a blotch on the papers for ETH by many, but there was some logic to this decision. The ex-Ajax man obviously has a deep understanding of the role and by dropping him into the side Ten Hag was quickly able to implement his pressing style with Antony excellent at this hybrid-pressing role.

Out of possession there is no doubt Antony is exceptional at this role – but at a club like Manchester United this will never be enough to justify your name on the team sheet each week.

Where do we go from here?

For Ten Hag and Antony, the real hard work needs to begin on developing his game when in possession. With only 1 league goal since October 22, it is in no doubt that Antony is in a poor run of form. Execution of his ideas has been at the forefront of Antony’s problems so far this season – a sure fire sign a player is playing with little confidence. Perhaps the best course of action for Antony is some time on the sidelines and the training pitch to bring back his spark.