Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has slammed winger Antony for his recent performances, insisting the winger is not good enough to play for the club.
The 23-year-old is yet to score a goal for United this season, with Erik ten Hag's side having already crashed out of both the UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup before Christmas.
Antony, who joined the club from Ajax last summer, is developing the habit of becoming all too predictable to defend against, making it far too easy for the opposition by relentlessly cutting onto his favoured left foot.
United, who were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich at Old Trafford earlier this week, are due to face high-flyers Liverpool this weekend, with captain Bruno Fernandes just one of a whole host of players set to miss the clash on Merseyside.
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With Antony likely to be involved once more over on the right due to the current situation regarding exiled winger Jadon Sancho, Stam has delivered some harsh truths regarding the fiery Brazilian's performances under Ten Hag.
“From what I’ve seen from Antony, he’s not good enough for this level that we’re looking for at United,'' began the 51-year-old, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
''Because you’re also looking for a player who can have a difficult time and struggle when he comes in, but [we can see] where he is making progress to get to that level.
“When you’re looking at Antony now, at this moment, you don’t see where he can make the progress to make the next step in the Premier League to be up there with the top wingers who can make a difference.
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“In Holland, he did okay but it wasn’t like he was the best player in Holland. He did okay for Ajax but then again, they’re playing in a league with a couple of good players, and the rest of the league - with all respect – are mediocre players.
''They’re [Ajax] always dominating so he could always do his trickery, put the crosses in and play a one-two.
''But at this level - and that’s down to recruitment together with the management – they need to make the right choices to bring the players in who can really make a difference in the Premier League. I was surprised by Antony’s fee.”
Topics: Manchester United, Antony