Former Chelsea and Liverpool attacking midfielder Joe Cole has hammered a Manchester United player he believes cost the Red Devils in their 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday at the Amex Stadium.
Erik ten Hag’s men saw their positive start to the season being dampened by a dramatic late winner from Joao Pedro. The Brighton striker put the ball in the back of the net in stoppage time, putting a dagger on United, who probably believe they should have won the match, given their control throughout.
However, their failure to convert chances presented to them caused the Red Devils to fall short to the Seagulls, marking a great win for the newly appointed 31-year-old manager, Fabian Hurzeler.
This has led to heavy criticism of some of Ten Hag’s players, including Marcus Rashford and Anthony with the former targeted for his below par performances.
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Despite, using all their substitutes, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff were unable to mastermind a win as they did in the opening match against Fulham at Old Trafford last weekend.
However, one substitute that has come under scruitiny from Cole is Antony, who was brought in as a marquee signing in Ten Hag’s debut season in a deal worth a fee in the region of €1oo million on deadline day.
Joe Cole’s comment’s on Antony against Brighton
The 24-year-old Brazilian had an impressive start to life in Manchester scoring on his debut against Arsenal, followed up by goals against Everton and Manchester City in his first five appearances at the club.
However, now, his days as a starter are definitely numbered with Amad Diallo staking his claim in the right wing position after impressing manager Erik ten Hag in the latter stages of last season and pre-season.
Cole, a former Chelsea youth technical coach, suggests the Brazilian is performing badly because the club wants him out and the feeling is mutual between the two parties. With the Brazilian falling down the pecking order, it’s vital he makes the most of every opportunity he’s given.
Unfortunately odds were against Antony making an impact, coming on in the 90th minute, with only extra time to impress. However, not only did Cole feel that he failed to impress, but that he actively “cost his team” because of his attitude.
United in Focus have reported Cole as saying: “Manchester United brought on Antony who in all due respect, probably isn’t happy to just play 10 or 15 minutes. He’s an £80m player. He probably wants out the door at United and they probably want him out as well.”
He continued: “You’re bringing him on and in that crucial moment when there’s a ball to be won, a body needs to be put on the line for your team and for your club, he didn’t do it and it cost his team.
“That’s the difference. If you look at the running the Brighton subs went through, it was fantastic.”
Unfortunately this performance won’t have done much to help him fight for a position on the first squad, with Jadon Sancho fighting for his seat on the bench. However time will tell if the winger will be given more opportunities at Old Trafford.
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