Joe Cole claims Man Utd star is ‘playing for a move away’

2 hours ago 1

Former Premier League and England star Joe Cole

Joe Cole ‘cannot see’ Antony turning his Manchester United career around and believes he is now at the stage of ‘playing for a move away’ from Old Trafford.

Antony is yet to start for United in the Premier League this term but did play the entirety of the 7-0 EFL Cup thrashing over Barnsley last week, scoring a penalty in the Old Trafford rout.

The Brazilian’s only league minutes so far this season came in the crushing 2-1 defeat at Brighton, when he came on as a late substitute and was criticised for his role in the hosts’ late winner.

Speaking last week, Ten Hag admitted Antony was frustrated with his lack of minutes but told his £82m signing he needed to ‘earn the right’ to play for the club.

Ex-England star Joe Cole ‘cannot see’ Antony turning his Manchester United career around, however, and believes both the club and the player are now thinking about a move.

‘The problem with Antony at Manchester United is I think he’s a player that is perfect for the Dutch league,’ Cole told Paddy Power.

‘I think the physicality of the Premier League is something he struggles with. He’s a talented footballer with great technique and skill, and it was good to see him playing well against Barnsley.

‘But I don’t see him making an impact in the United starting team this season and I can’t see him turning it around at Manchester United.

‘With Antony, I think he’s playing for a move away from the club and I think United will move past him.

‘He’s not an old player and he should be coming into his prime in the next few years, so I think he’s probably best suited to other leagues.’

After scoring in Manchester United’s devastating victory over League One side Barnsley, Antony would have been disappointed not to get any minutes in Saturday’s goalless Premier League draw with Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag described United’s performance at Selhurst Park as ‘good’ and ‘dominant’, telling reporters: ‘The performance is good, but for a performance, you don’t get points.

‘You have to score a goal. Of course, I am quite disappointed when you are so dominant in a game.

‘We played some very good football but also did some very good pressing. You are so dictating in a game but you don’t score.’

Manchester United, who are 11th in the Premier League after five games, face Europa League rivals FC Twente on Wednesday night before hosting Tottenham next weekend.

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