BREAKING NEWS: Live from Old Trafford, Manchester United’s underperforming player has requested to leave the club following a disappointing stint. Antony, frustrated with his lack of playing time under Erik Ten Hag, has stated, “If Ten Hag can’t use me, he should either sell me or loan me out.”

Erik Ten Hag has acknowledged that Antony has grown frustrated due to his limited playing time at Manchester United. This season, Antony has only appeared once, coming on as an 89th-minute substitute during the match against Brighton on August 25. Although he was initially expected to play in United’s 3-0 win over Southampton, circumstances such as Matthijs De Ligt’s exit due to cramping and Casemiro’s substitution prevented his participation.

In the previous season, Antony played in 21 out of Manchester United’s 52 matches, but he wasn’t part of any of their five pre-season games this year. Other wingers in the squad, including Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, have already scored this season. As a result, Ten Hag could not confirm whether Antony would start in the upcoming League Cup match against Barnsley.

Antony became United’s second most expensive signing after Paul Pogba, costing the club £81.3 million when they signed him from Ajax during the 2022 transfer window. However, despite his hefty price tag, he has managed only 11 goals in 83 appearances for the club.

Garnacho was recruited from Atletico Madrid in 2020, and Amad was also regarded as a promising talent, arriving from Atalanta for £19 million shortly after.

When asked about Antony’s difficulties competing with these younger wingers, Ten Hag emphasized the competitive nature of professional football. He explained that players must constantly fight for their positions, and the best players are chosen based on team chemistry and performance.

Ten Hag praised Amad and Garnacho for their contributions, noting that both players have significantly developed within the team. He acknowledged that Antony possesses the ability to compete with them but needs to make better decisions and prove himself in training.

While Antony is understandably impatient and eager to play, he must outperform his teammates to secure more game time. Ten Hag concluded by reaffirming that the other wingers are performing well, and Antony needs to work hard to earn his spot in the team.