Antony, a Manchester United star, expressed frustration with manager Erik ten Hag as he was tasked with playing left-back during the team’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal. The defeat at Old Trafford dealt a significant blow to their European football aspirations. Thus, their fate stands at eighth place, three points behind Europa Conference League qualification.
Once again, Ten Hag faced a shortage of players, especially in defense. Casemiro, filling in at center-back, made a costly error in the 20th minute, allowing Arsenal to score the decisive goal.
The experienced Brazilian lagged behind as United attempted to build from the back, trailing ten yards behind the defensive line. This left Kai Havertz completely unmarked, allowing him to receive the ball, advance to the byline, and assist Leandro Trossard.
Manchester United player Antony displeased with his positional switch
United’s improvised defense took on a more unusual shape as they pressed for a late equalizer. Willy Kambwala partnered Casemiro in the final stages, while Antony shifted to left-back. However, the former Ajax winger was displeased with the alteration and visibly frustrated when Ten Hag requested the positional switch.
Wan-Bissaka substituted and an additional attacker introduced, Ten Hag returned Diogo Dalot to his customary right-back position. Antony was then to vacate the right flank and transition to left-back, while Forson took up the right-wing position.
Footage captured by fans in the stands depicts Ten Hag summoning Antony, who had entered the field as a substitute just 15 minutes earlier, instructing him to shift to left-back. Antony, visibly displeased, required assistance from Scott McTominay to relocate to his new position, with both McTominay and Eriksen intervening to soothe and persuade him.
Despite the efforts to calm him, Antony remained furious, gesturing in disbelief at the tactical change and directing his frustration towards McTominay. McTominay offered one final encouragement to his teammate before the match resumed.
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