BREAKING NEWS: Former English footballer Joe Cole doubts that Antony can improve at Manchester United, noting that his performance has only declined. In the recent match against Aston Villa, he had little to no influence on the game despite being at the club for some time. Cole suggests that it may be best for Manchester United to move on from the underperforming Brazilian.

Joe Cole, a former England international, has voiced concerns about the future of Brazilian winger Antony at Manchester United. Cole suggests that Antony, signed from Ajax for a significant £82 million fee, may soon leave Old Trafford due to his difficulties adapting to the Premier League’s physical demands.

Despite Antony’s clear technical ability and flair, he has struggled to make an impact in England’s top-tier league, and Cole believes this inability to adapt could lead to his exit from the club.

Antony’s challenges have become more apparent this season, with limited playing time in the league. His only Premier League appearance came as a late substitute in Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Brighton, a performance that did little to improve his position.

The Brazilian winger, once expected to be a key player following his high-profile transfer, has fallen down the pecking order under manager Erik ten Hag. Players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and even Amad Diallo have surpassed Antony in the squad hierarchy, leaving him on the fringes of the team.

Joe Cole highlights Antony’s struggle to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity, contrasting it with the Dutch Eredivisie, where Antony previously thrived. Cole remarked that Antony’s game, focused on speed and technical skills, was well-suited to the Dutch league, where physicality is less emphasized. However, the Premier League’s faster pace and tougher physicality have limited Antony’s effectiveness at Manchester United.

Although Antony has shown brief flashes of his talent, such as scoring in Manchester United’s 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley, these moments have not translated into consistent starting opportunities.

Cole remains skeptical about Antony’s chances of turning things around. Even in matches where United struggled, such as their 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, Antony remained on the bench, signaling that Ten Hag may no longer see him as a key player.

Additionally, Antony’s exclusion from major fixtures, like United’s Community Shield loss to Manchester City and their opening defeat to Fulham, raises further questions about his standing in the squad. Cole also speculates that Antony may be considering a move away from Manchester United, as his playing style might be better suited to other European leagues, where physicality is less crucial.