Man Utd flop Antony could be toast as Facundo Pellistri steals show with Nunez
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Just over one year ago, Manchester United splashed £85million to sign Antony from Ajax, making him the second-most expensive player in the club’s storied history behind Paul Pogba. Erik ten Hag was the driving force behind his arrival, but the Brazilian winger could be as low as fourth in his pecking order when Premier League football returns this weekend.
Antony did little to convince United supporters that he had the makings of the club’s long-term right winger in his debut season in England.
The 23-year-old registered just eight goals and three assists but remained an untouchable fixture in Ten Hag’s team last term, making 44 appearances.
His output has gone the wrong way in the current campaign, failing to score a single goal or provide an assist in 12 games.
And Ten Hag has reacted, dropping his former Ajax student to the bench in United’s last two games against FC Copenhagen and Luton Town.
Alejandro Garnacho has started on the left, with Marcus Rashford moving over to the right on either side of £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund.
But Antony may be at risk of slipping further down Ten Hag’s thinking after Facundo Pellistri sent the Dutchman an eye-catching message on Tuesday night.
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Pellistri starred in Uruguay’s 3-0 win against Bolivia that continued the nation’s successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 21-year-old played 77 minutes and helped the hosts take the lead through Darwin Nunez, successfully beating his man down the outside on the right flank before finding the Liverpool star with a cut-back.
Antony has faced regular criticism for his predictability after receiving the ball, which has contributed to Hojlund’s lack of service since his summer arrival.
He struggles to take the ball on his weaker right foot for runs to the byline and crosses, instead often opting to cut inside and shoot or pass sideways or backward.
But Pellistri showed that he had that ability in his locker during an eye-catching performance against Bolivia.
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The South American starlet completed both of his attempted take-ons and created three chances, two of which were considered big.
Pellistri recorded an 88 per cent pass accuracy, won four of his six ground duels and put a defensive shift in, making two tackles.
He assisted Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time winner at Fulham in his last appearance for United after replacing Antony on the hour-mark.
And his latest international display won’t simmer the fanbase’s calls for him to start over the Brazilian more often.
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