Anthony produced another disappointing performance for Manchester United. Photo: AP/Rui Vieira
When it comes time to write Eric Ten's analysis During Haeg's tenure as Manchester United manager – and that may happen in the not-too-distant future – the Dutchman's fate will be inextricably linked with Anthony's.Unfortunately, Anthony Elanga had a brilliant evening in Nottingham Forest's victory over Ten Hag's side was further evidence that the United manager allowed the wrong Anthony to leave Old Trafford this summer.
The Brazilian winger , who remains, was signed for £85 million from Ten Hag's former club Ajax in the summer of 2022 and with each passing week becomes a symbol, or at least one of the symbols, of United's malaise.
The glimmers of promise he showed at the start of last season are now distant memories and his last goal in this very stadium came 30 games ago. In the instant-gratification world of modern football, there could be 300.
If and when Ten Hag becomes the fifth full-time manager to leave the hot seat in more than a decade since Sir Alex Ferguson has retired and will forever be associated with one unlucky player – a phenomenon familiar to those who came before him.
Ten Hag's record as United manager after 20 games this season is 31 a point with a goal difference of 22–27 – worse than Moyes at the comparative stage: 34 points and 33–24 in goals.
<р>Moyes was sacked before he had even completed his first season and for many United fans his reign will forever be associated with Marouane Fellaini, the Belgian midfielder he was forced to sign late in the day from his old club Everton after moving to new In the summer after Ferguson left, employers were unable to conclude any significant contracts.
This situation continues. Take your pick from Louis van Gaal's shopping basket, but the shortlist includes Angel Di Maria or Memphis Depay. Jose Mourinho almost broke United's bank (which takes some effort) to sign free agent Alexis Sanchez.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign saw Jadon Sancho still in limbo after his public falling out with Ten Hagom is arguably among the worst players in the club's history in independent rankings.
Among them, but nowhere near. worst.
Antony certainly holds this dubious distinction by some margin, based on the present form. There were no goals or assists in his 21 games this season in all competitions, and the 23-year-old scored four goals and two assists in 25 appearances in the Premier League last season.
Anthony has no goals or assists this season. Photo: Getty Images/Mark Leach
Acceptable numbers perhaps for a young overseas striker's debut season in the Premier League, but not at a club like United. And not for anyone to sign a deal that was worth that kind of money.
The latest disaster saw Anthony being substituted in the 54th minute of the match against Forest. Ten Hag gave him the benefit of the doubt by leaving him for so long.
The Brazilian had well-publicized off-field problems which saw him leave the team in the autumn, but the 2-1 win over Chelsea earlier this month was his only full 90 minutes this season despite United's long-running problems. with injuries.< /p>
With Sir Dave Brailsford enjoying minor success and a key user of data-driven analytics overseeing football matters in the new year, Elanga's form certainly did not go unnoticed as he watched from the City Ground. directors' box.
The winger, two years Anthony's junior, was sold for £15 million last summer and now has 10 Premier League goals and assists, the first time he has reached that mark in a season… and 10 more than his namesake.
Anthony certainly cannot be blamed for United's disastrously poor recruitment team paying the fee for his services. It's his attitude and work ethic that's another matter.
“You can look at a lot of deals with the glass half empty,” Gary Neville said on Sky.
“It's a worrying thing. . He has two things going for him: he can hit inside and cross, or he can hit out wide. He's nowhere near [former Manchester City star] Riyad Mahrez. It doesn't look like anyone has worked with him – I can't believe the coaches aren't saying to simplify the game a little.
“He needs consistency. I'm afraid there is no temperament. He's so frustrating. I blame the football club. It’s not the boy’s fault that he was bought for that money. There was too much money. When it comes to this level, it has to be a no. If I were looking at him for £25 million, we would look differently.”
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