Prior to Manchester United’s pivotal Champions League matchup with FC Copenhagen, Erik ten Hag must make a few tough choices. Manchester United has dropped its opening two group stage matches, and should Erik ten Hag’s team fail to win, the Red Devils will undoubtedly have to play in the UEFA Europa League again.
The Dutchman must make a major choice that will affect the Red Devils not only in the park but also in the forward line. The fact that United’s defenders have scored more goals this season than their forwards is a terrible reflection on the attack unit. Things need to change because Marcus Rashford is the only forward in the league with a goal, while Diogo Dalot and Raphael Varane have each scored one.
Antony should be dropped
One forward who is surely on thin ice at the moment is Brazilian forward Anthony. The former Ajax man looked promising for the Red Devils at Bramall Lane, it was his floated ball to the back post that led to Rashford crossing to Rasmus Hojlund , who missed the ball by an inch.
And while this was his first start since early September, and he may need time to get back into form, Antony has long-existing issues for Manchester United concerning his lack of production.
He hasn’t scored for United in 16 games, his last being the goal he scored against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Despite having promising moments against The Blades, it may well be time for Ten Hag to rotate on the right side and one man should be reinstated in the United team.
Until Antony can prove that he can contribute from the bench, there’s a case that he should not be a guaranteed starter.
Ten Hag’s options
facundo Pellistri featured for the Red Devils off the back of Antony’s omission from the United team due to the allegations made against him
The Uruguayan, pictured on the right, appeared somewhat disoriented and, aside from a few promising moments, occasionally appeared a little out of his element. Mason Mount could be added back to the United squad; it seemed unfair that the Englishman was left off for the match in Yorkshire. This is an alternative that might be more exciting. But Mount replacing Scott McTominay, who completed just eight passes for the Red Devils against Sheffield United, is the most likely choice. Mount has played right for Chelsea in the past, so that possibility might be investigated once more.
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