Author – Amrit Santlani
Manchester United are prepared for the worst as the club believe that Brazilian winger Antony could be sidelined for up to two months following the injury he suffered in the 4-1 win over Chelsea on Friday. United think that Antony may have suffered the same ankle injury that caused him to miss two months of action when he was at Ajax last season. The 23-year-old was taken off on a stretcher and was crying as he appeared to be in a lot of pain after a clumsy challenge from Trevoh Chalobah. He played a full part in the game for the first 29 minutes before being withdrawn.
Speaking after the win over Chelsea, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hinted that the injury was indeed “serious”. Furthermore, Antony wasn’t the only casualty against Chelsea, as left-back Luke Shaw was also withdrawn at half-time due to his respective injury.
“It’s hard to always say after the game, but yes, Antony is serious. Luke Shaw, we’ll have to see. I don’t think it’s too bad, but we have to wait 24 hours. We’ll have a diagnosis and find out more” said the Dutchman.
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Last season, the Brazilian winger had to sit out Ajax’s last eight games after suffering an ankle injury while playing for his national team during a World Cup qualifier in March 2022. United fear that he has also suffered a similar problem this time, but only after a thorough examination will the club know exactly how long he will be out for.
Since arriving at Old Trafford at the start of the season, the 81 million pound player has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 44 appearances for the Red Devils.
As the club still has an important game against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the two injuries to Antony and Shaw are a double blow for United. Although it remains to be seen whether the Englishman will be able to return in time for the clash at Wembley on June 3, it is very likely that the former Ajax player will take part next season.
However, Ten Hag was in charge of the 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s side at the start of the season and, in that game, Antony was left on the bench and Bruno Fernandes started at right-back.
After the win, the Dutchman explained how Fernandes’ play on the flank helped create a numerical advantage for his team.
“The idea with Bruno on the right wing and especially in defense, we defended as usual, but in possession he had the job of coming in between the lines to bring an extra player and cause problems for the opposition and create hesitation and confusion, and I thought he performed that role brilliantly” said Ten Hag.
“The rest of the team adapted well to the situation and we had good breaks when we found the free man. Bruno was an important factor in this role, as well as in the pressure” he added.
Therefore, the Man United captain could well return to the starting line-up against Man City in the FA Cup final to compensate for the loss of Antony.
Having already secured their place in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season, Liverpool will finish the league season at home to Fulham, before going for their second trophy of the term, having already won the Carabao Cup earlier in the campaign.