Manchester United man Antony told to be more like Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka

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TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil told his breakfast show (02/02, 9.40AM) that Manchester United attacker Antony needs to be more like Arsenal star Bukayo Saka – with the Old Trafford signing earning criticism for his lack of end product.

Antony, 22, joined Manchester United for a whopping £85million in the summer from Ajax. It comes after a huge 46 goal involvements in 84 games for the Dutch champions. Erik ten Hag chose to reunite with the 15-time Brazil star.

But his move to United has not gone as smoothly as he, ten Hag or United would have liked. Playing 22 matches for United, Antony has managed five goals and one assist. He has been criticised for what many deem unnecessary tricks.

On Wednesday night, he struggled again against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Withdrawn after 63 minutes, United then went on to win – scoring both of their goals with Antony off the pitch. He is yet to prove his transfer fee.

Speaking about Antony’s lack of impact at Old Trafford, ex-Manchester United man Brazil compared him to Arsenal man Saka. He believes that Antony needs to take a look at the England star – saying he can cut inside, and go outside.

“Antony is a young boy, he’s only 22. But Saka – what is he 21? Comes in and creates, score goals, goes both ways. That’s what Antony has got to do, he’s got to mix it up,” Brazil told TalkSPORT on Thursday morning, on Antony.

Brazil: Manchester United attacker Antony needs to be more like Saka

The issue with Antony being left-footed but playing on the right, is that he is often seen cutting inside. The £150k-a-week man is very good at it. But, it means defenders know what he is going to do. Arjen Robben was the best at it.

But the Dutch winger was hard to stop, even when defenders knew what he was doing. Antony is some way off that level and while he is young, as Brazil says, and has a way to go – he needs to improve. Saka can do both, an example.

Brazil is right, Antony needs to take a look at Saka and the England man’s ability to cut inside and shoot – which Manchester United found out to their peril recently. But he can also go to the byline and cross. Antony has a way to go.