'Doesn't understand the game' - Man Utd legend Schmeichel tears into Antony

Tom Weber

• Updated: 31 Dec 2023 13:29 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel did not hold back when assessing Antony's season so far.

The Brazilian winger continues to underwhelm at Man Utd. The 23-year-old pulled another stinker as Erik ten Hag's Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest and, with 2023 coming to an end, his record makes for horrible reading: Antony has scored one Premier League goal this calendar year.

Though Gary Neville has claimed to see shades of Riyad Mahrez in the €95 million flop, most people will agree that Antony has been one of the worst signings in Premier League history so far. Indeed, he has, in many ways, come to typify the atrocious business of Man Utd in recent years.

It was ironic that Anthony Elanga, a youngster sold by United in the summer, set up Forest's winner on the day. The Swede has been much more productive than Antony this term and could still be of use to the Red Devils.

Legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has now joined the chorus of voices calling for Antony to be dropped amid his horrendous form.

What did Schmeichel say?

Speaking to SuperSport, the Dane urged Ten Hag to think twice about starting the Brazilian again. "I really think he should rethink Antony's position. He doesn't give much to the team. He frustrates his teammates. It's really frustrating."

"He's had an opportunity for a long time, this is a player that hasn't scored this season, he's not made an assist and he's not scored, it's like he's not really understanding the game."

"As a winger, there are certain things you expect them to do, go into this area [the byline] and cross the ball on your right foot but he doesn't. He's trying here, he's trying but he hasn't got the pace and he knows he hasn't."

"We don't know what the message is from the manager, he might've been asked to do what he's been doing, then the manager would be responsible for no assists, no goals all of this season."