Aditya Bose
Famous journalist Jonathan Northcroft is absolutely disappointed by Antony in poor Manchester Derby cameo
According to the renowned journalist Jonathan Northcroft’s tweet on X, he is utterly shocked by the approach Antony had in the Manchester Derby. He says that despite failing to impress anyone given the lumpsum money United have paid for him, he has consistently failed.
Analysing the Brazilian is interesting since there seems to be a big difference between what he does on the pitch and how highly regarded by his club and the Brazilian national side. In his defence, he did impress while at Ajax Amsterdam but has consistently failed since arriving at Manchester United.
The brief cameo he made last night more or less summed up what a difficult time it has been for the Brazilian. Anthony did little of note and was lucky not to get sent off for a while swipe at Jeremy Doku. You’d think he would show more fight on the ball than off it.
Speaking on the disappointing outing, Northcroft has left no punches in his assessment of the United winger.
Antony: not good enough to start, sulks on the bench, comes on and does nothing except a stupid tackle and a childish flap to risk a red card. Manchester United's second most expensive signing.
— Jonathan Northcroft (@JNorthcroft) October 29, 2023
“Not good enough to start, sulks on the bench, comes on and does nothing except a stupid tackle and a childish flap to risk a red card. Manchester United’s second most expensive signing.”
A game like the Derby means that every player has to give more than 100%. Losing the Derby also means bantering from the opponents and that is what is happening. When we were already losing by a three-goal margin, what Antony was trying to achieve with his poor sportsmanship is anyone’s guess.
We are fortunate that the ref didn’t show him a red after he almost hit Doku. It would have mirrored Paul Pogba’s poor cameo against Liverpool in 2021-22 when they put five past us at Old Trafford.
Although there were concerns regarding Antony’s physical attributes to transition from the Eredivisie to the Premier League, his technical abilities were undeniable. After the Brazilian scored three goals in his opening three Premier League games, things appeared to be going well, but little did we know that it was just a faux pas.
The 23-year-old’s attitude is far worse and given his lack of impact or rationality on the field, one would assume that Jadon Sancho has enough reasons to be miffed for being sidelined.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United legend Roy Keane has his say after Manchester Derby ends in City’s favour
- Manchester United handed a major boost in pursuit of defender Jean-Clair Todibo with the potential assistance from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag adamant that the derby was even until the penalty changed the momentum
Antony’s cameo and his reaction to Doku were inexcusable and reflected poorly on our ability to respond to adversity. While winning is everything, winning fairly matters and the Brazilian losing his head is unlikely to endear him to his detractors.
Bruno Fernandes also appeared to go in with a rough tackle on the Manchester City winger moments before Antony made his move. Surely Roy Keane’s words need to be heeded. After all, sulking and playing perhaps with an edge when things don’t go your way isn’t something unfamiliar to us. Attitude reflects leadership and Fernandes isn’t setting the right example with his antics either.
