‘He’s not really understanding the game’: United legend blasts woeful attacker after Forest loss

Peter Schmeichel didn’t hold back in his assessment of what Antony brings to Manchester United.

Spoiler alert: it’s very little.

The winger oversaw a particularly dismal and uninventive display against Nottingham Forest on December 30, which saw the Reds round off 2023 with a 14th loss of the season.

Antony, as expected, started the clash in hopes of scoring his first goal this season, or second Premier League goal of the calendar year, but saw both prospects wither away when he was substituted in the 54th minute for Amad Diallo.

He left the pitch having lost possession 12 times, completed one of three dribbles attempted and won just four out of 10 ground duels, as confirmed by StatmanDave on X. The Brazilian also made zero shots, key passes or crosses.

Schmeichel bewildered by Antony’s contribution

Post-match, Schmeichel became the latest pundit or former player to question Antony’s role at United, having cost the club an eye-watering £86 million when he signed from Ajax in 2022.

“He’s had an opportunity for a long time, this is a player that hasn’t scored this season, he’s not made an assist and he’s not scored, it’s like he’s not really understanding the game,” the ex-goalkeeper said on SuperSport.

“As a winger, there are certain things you expect them to do, go into this area [the byline] and cross the ball on your right foot but he doesn’t… he’s trying here, he’s trying but he hasn’t got the pace and he knows he hasn’t.

“We don’t know what the message is from the manager, he might’ve been asked to do what he’s been doing, then the manager would be responsible for no assists, no goals all of this season, actually back to April of this year.”