Rio Ferdinand cannot see what Antony is bringing to Manchester United’s side at present (Picture: TNT Sport)
Rio Ferdinand insists he sympathises with the Manchester United fans who booed Antony during Saturday’s nervy 1-0 win over Fulham.
An injury-time goal from Bruno Fernandes provided manager Erik ten Hag with some much needed breathing space following back to back 3-0 defeats.
United looked as though they were headed for another dispiriting result against the Cottagers, only for the skipper to provide a dramatic late intervention.
The visitors had created little of note during the previous 90 minutes with Antony particularly ineffective on the flank before he was hauled off shortly after the hour mark.
Antony was jeered by his own supporters as he made his way to the dugout and his latest no show was put into stark context, according to Ferdinand, by the display of Fulham veteran Willian who was a constant menace for the home side.
Antony is yet to score or provide an assist this season (Picture: Getty)
‘You could smell the frustrations let alone hear it,’ said the former United defender. ‘Listen, he’s played 11 games this season with no goals and zero assists, from an attacking player that’s not good enough, that’s the facts.
‘Today you’ve got to look at a 35-year-old on the opposite wing in Willian and if you didn’t know their ages and career path you’d probably go Willian
‘You’d probably go Willian with what you’re seeing right now. He has to improve dramatically.
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‘Whenever Rashford comes back fit which will hopefully be in the next game it’s Garnacho scratching his head if Antony starts ahead of him I’d be doing that.
‘You have to have that competitive edge in a squad but if you’re being kept out the team by a player you want to know that player is producing the goods and getting goals or assists.
‘At the moment if Antony does come out the game I don’t think you could argue.’
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