Manchester United legend Andy Cole has questioned Antony’s ability after watching the winger struggle during the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

The Brazilian international has had a very difficult second season at Old Trafford and Cole says the player would infuriate him if he was one of his teammates:

“He would drive me absolutely mad. He’s an individual, we all know he’s very left-footed, he’s an individual who never goes to the right-hand side so as a centre-forward, if you’re making a run to the near post you know you’re never going to get it.”

“He’s going to check back, you’re not sure when he’s going to put it in the box. He doesn’t score enough goals for me, he doesn’t create enough chances for his teammates. So you look at that and say, ‘okay, what are you giving?’. That’s what you’re expecting from him.”

Antony’s form this season has been woeful

The 23-year-old has made 10 appearances in all competitions for United so far this campaign, and he hasn’t scored a single goal or provided an assist.

For a player that cost £85m, that is simply not good enough. Many fans were concerned that the club paid too much for Antony and those fears are now being realised.

Ten Hag is likely to keep faith with the United star

Despite his travails, Antony is unlikely to be dropped mainly because there aren’t any real alternatives that Erik ten Hag can call upon.

The manager has frozen out Jadon Sancho, while Facundo Pellistri has not looked up to the task when given opportunities. Alejandro Garnacnho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, meanwhile, all prefer playing off the left wing.

Ten Hag has opted to use captain Bruno Fernandes on the right in some games recently but the club need to keep their most creative player in central positions where he can be at his most effective.

Is Erik ten Hag to blame for United’s bad form? Watch our pundits debate on Shots!TV here