Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against FC Twente in the Europa League raised question marks over the long-term futures of more than one individual at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s men started the game on the front foot and led through Christian Eriksen’s first-half goal. However, as the game progressed, United’s lack of control and ineffective directness allowed the visitors to find some confidence, and eventually the equaliser through Sam Lammers.
The Red Devils have mustered just three wins in their eight games across all competitions this season. Ten Hag is now in his third year at United, and surely such inconsistent performances are going to heap further pressure on INEOS to address the managerial situation sooner rather than later.
Interestingly, the Dutchman is not the only figure who appears on borrowed time in Manchester.
Heading into the new campaign, Ten Hag’s disastrous record signing, Antony insisted this season “will be totally different.”
Things have seemingly changed — but for the worse. The rise of Amad Diallo has further pushed the ex-Ajax star down the pecking order.
Ten Hag has only handed Antony a minute of Premier League action. His only start of the season came in the League Cup against Barnsley, wherein he bagged a goal from the spot. However, that display did little to improve his situation at the club.
Amad has made the right-wing position his own this term, and whenever the United gaffer has tried to mix things up, he has placed his trust in Alejandro Garnacho, a natural left-winger, to cover the area.
Against Twente, when his side were desperately in search of a second goal, Ten Hag took off tired Amad and surprisingly pushed Bruno Fernandes on the right flank instead.
Antony remained an unused substitute.
Late in the summer window, it emerged United blocked Real Betis’ approach for Antony, suggesting Ten Hag still counts on his signing, as a squad player, if not a starter.
However, considering how he ignored the 24-year-old against Twente, it seems Antony has no future at United in any role.
Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images
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