07 Jun 2024 12:45:26
Hi Eds,
Ive seen a few times we are looking at various players as an Antony replacement.
Is there any interest in him and are we actually going to be able to move him on?
As it feels like a mistake the club may be stuck with.
{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of any interest.}
07 Jun 2024 14:44:03
I think it'd be a further mistake if the club failed to make it resoundingly clear to him that he'll never make the grade as an attacker at United.
I'd like to see him tested at LB again in preseason, but if he throws the toys around again then he should be unceremoniously shown the door.
Left-back or left out, they should be his only options.
07 Jun 2024 14:57:16
No team wants a tiny right winger who can only kick with 1 foot and doesn’t have any pace or ability to take on a man? Surprising.
07 Jun 2024 15:21:15
Alternatively Ork, perhaps he could spend the summer working out how to kick a ball with his right foot?
He might even get good at it like a professional footballer can do?
07 Jun 2024 17:21:25
Mancman with the fantastic analysis again.
Let me know when you're ready for a kick about, we will see what you're like ?.
07 Jun 2024 17:59:54
Ork I totally forgot about that little cameo at LB.
A few of us on here have been saying he needs to be played on the left. After his little tantrum it appears he thinks too much of himself to be playing in defence.
I actually think he might do OK there due to his tenacity, alas his ego disagrees.
07 Jun 2024 18:38:18
If u guys think Antony can play a left back/ wing back, u live in delusion. Especially for a team that is aiming to finish top 4. We shouldn't be lowering the standards, we need a top quality player in every position.
07 Jun 2024 21:05:41
Any chance he goes out on loan at xmas if things don’t improve in the opening months of the season? We’ve seen what a few successful loans for our other right wingers has done. Sadly we may not be as well stocked to be loaning out players by then.
08 Jun 2024 11:44:24
To be honest I actually think LWB is probably the position he should play in if he is to have any chance of seriously making it at a top side in one of Europe's top 5 leagues.
He doesn't possess either the blistering pace or the technical dribbling ability to play as a winger/ wide forward for a top side. However, he is hard working, with high levels of stamina, defensively capable and dogged in the tackle. He is technically good enough and can follow tactical instructions well. He also has a good left footed cross.
I think with a little coaching he could adapt really well to playing as LWB in a 343 type formation. He would have the energy and work rate to bomb up and down the left flank and be an outlet down that side and help us keep attacking width. He would really benefit from having that LCB who can help defend the flank when tasked with defending. Likewise when attacking the left forward would mean that there is someone close by for him to play one twos off of. Meaning his lack of blistering pace over longer distances isn't a problem, or his lack of technical dribbling.
How good a LWB he could be remains to be seen, but he certainly has the raw ingredients to be a good one. The only thing that could hold him back would be his willingness to drop back into that position. He had a little temper tantrum when asked before, which doesn't suggest he is too enamoured with a move to left.
However, his compatriots Roberto Carlos and Dani Alves both started out as wingers before moving back to fullback/ wingback roles. They then went on to become Brazilian and football icons and are regarded as amongst the best wingbacks/ fullbacks in history.
Maybe if the move is sold to him in that way, possibly with the help of one of Roberto or Dani having a chat with him about the positives of their experience, then he might be more willing to give it a go. I think once convinced of the move he would work hard at becoming better in that position. Or at least his hard working attitude shown on the pitch would suggest he'd give it his best.
However, I don't see EtH looking to play back three system, nor do I see the club being particularly linked to any managers who have typically used a back three system (Xabi Alonso or Ruben Amorim) .