29 October 2023 , 17:31
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Antony was left bemused as he shook his head after being snubbed by Erik ten Hag during the Manchester derby.
The Brazilian began on the bench with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes starting ahead of him as Manchester United looked to upset the form book and see off neighbours Manchester City. Erling Haaland's brace had the visitors 2-0 up with 15 minutes remaining though as the hosts rang the changes.
Mason Mount was bought on for the beginning of the second half before Ten Hag then made a double change on 73 minutes. Sergio Reguilon and, crucially, Alejandro Garnacho were introduced as United chased the game. Antony remained in his seat and shook his head as the camera panned to him. He was eventually bought on with just four minutes left.
The former Ajax man, signed for huge money last term, has struggled to make an impact since joining from the Dutch side. Garnacho's introduction suggests Antony finds himself someway down the pecking order as he looks for more minutes.
The 23-year-old has started five times in the Premier League so far this season, but is far from a guarantee in the starting XI. Anthony Martial was the other notable attacker left on the bench by United, and he too was introduced late on.
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Antony himself has only come up with eight goals in his United career despite his standing as the club's second most-expensive signing in history behind Paul Pogba.
Antony was overlooked by Erik ten Hag several times before coming on after 86 minutesLast season Ten Hag was forced to defend the most pricey signing of his tenure, but maintained that he wanted to see more from the man who had been so impressive for Ajax.
''I defended him but he knows, I know as well,'' Ten Hag said back in April. "'He has to do it, not in every game, but he needs to do it in many games if you want to be a top-class player, especially in all the competitions. In the Premier League, you are up against high-quality defenders and you have to act on a really high level, you need to make that decision, scan in a split moment and you can only do that in a moment."