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Man United player exiled by Ruben Amorim finds support from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have become the faces of Ruben Amorim’s new-look Man Utd, but they’re said to be backing one holdover from the old regime to help them settle in.

Before pre-season had even kicked off, Amorim had already moved five players out of the first-team squad, making it clear that a new approach was coming in.

Marcus Rashford has since found a fresh start elsewhere and is doing well, while Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia are still waiting for clarity on their futures.

However, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo reportedly believe that one of the four should have already rejoined the main group.

Antony has support from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo


Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Manchester United fans are not exactly clamouring for any of these four players to return, but Amorim played his hand well when he told clubs not to expect any cut-price deals.

If one had to return, Antony might be the most acceptable option for fans, given how well he played during his loan spell at Real Betis.

He also left on better terms than Sancho or Garnacho, maintaining a professional relationship with the club.

Malacia’s situation is more about timing than anything else. He was simply left behind by the changes at Old Trafford. In that context, Antony would be the easiest to welcome back.

That view seems to be shared by some within the squad as well. Ben Jacobs mentioned on The United Stand that Cunha, Mbeumo, and other senior players think Antony fits well into the current setup.

“There’s a feeling from Cunha, Mbeumo and other senior Manchester United players that Antony is a good fit in this system despite the winger pushing for a move,” Jacobs said.

Antony is the least uncomfortable reunion at Man Utd

Bringing Antony back is not what anyone at Manchester United would have planned, but if it had to be one of the four, he is probably the easiest option to accept.

Mbeumo’s view that Antony fits well in the system is a bit surprising, considering he’s essentially taken over that role as a left-footed right-sided forward with Premier League experience.

Cunha’s support makes more sense given their history together in Brazil’s national team setup, and he has spoken highly of Antony before.

If Antony does rejoin the squad, Amorim can at least take some comfort in knowing that he has not caused issues behind the scenes and has been performing well elsewhere.

He could provide depth either behind Mbeumo on the right or as an alternative option at wing-back to cover for Amad.

While his main value still lies in being a potential sale rather than an on-field contributor, Cunha and Mbeumo seem to see him as the most practical choice among those currently out of favour.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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