Amorim Must Axe ‘Dreadful’ Man Utd Star for Europa League Final
As Manchester United prepares for a season-defining Europa League final, all eyes are on Rúben Amorim and the critical decisions he must make in terms of team selection. The stakes could not be higher. Win, and United salvages a tumultuous season with a European trophy and a guaranteed spot in next year’s Champions League. Lose, and questions over the club’s direction, identity, and personnel choices will grow louder.
Amorim, reportedly lined up as the next permanent Manchester United manager pending the outcome of the final and broader structural changes at the club, is already exerting influence behind the scenes. His modern approach, honed during successful spells at Braga and Sporting CP, is based on high pressing, tactical fluidity, and positional discipline—principles that do not align with the performances of some current squad members.
And among those under the microscope, one name stands out for all the wrong reasons: Antony.
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The Case Against Antony
The Brazilian winger was one of Erik ten Hag’s marquee signings, arriving in 2022 for an eye-watering £86 million from Ajax. His price tag raised eyebrows then, but it’s his performances that have caused real concern ever since. While flashes of talent and glimpses of flair have occasionally surfaced, consistency, productivity, and tactical intelligence have been sorely lacking.
This season, Antony has contributed a meager tally of goals and assists across all competitions. His dribbling often ends in lost possession, his decision-making in the final third leaves much to be desired, and his defensive contributions are negligible. Against top opposition, he’s been largely ineffective, and in high-stakes matches, he’s been more of a liability than an asset.
In a recent Premier League fixture against Arsenal, Antony’s performance was labeled “dreadful” by multiple pundits and fans alike. Former United legend Roy Keane slammed his “lack of impact and urgency,” while Gary Neville called him “a passenger in a game that demanded fighters.” These aren’t isolated criticisms; they form part of a season-long pattern of underwhelming displays.
With the Europa League final looming, Amorim cannot afford to gamble on sentiment or sunk cost. The final demands ruthless decision-making, and Antony’s continued presence in the starting XI threatens to undermine United’s chances of lifting silverware.
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Tactical Misfit
Amorim’s tactical philosophy requires wide players who not only stretch the field and offer attacking threat but also press aggressively and track back with discipline. Sporting’s success under Amorim was built on intense off-the-ball work and vertical, purposeful attacks. In his 3-4-3 system, wide attackers are crucial both as creative outlets and first lines of defense.
Antony, for all his technical skill, does not fit this mold. His reluctance to use his right foot makes him predictable. Defenders know he’ll cut inside, and while he occasionally gets a shot off, it rarely results in something meaningful. Moreover, his inability to offer defensive cover on the flank is a major liability in a final where margins will be razor-thin.
Contrast this with alternatives like Amad Diallo or even Alejandro Garnacho, who offer dynamism, unpredictability, and better defensive energy. Garnacho, in particular, has been a revelation this season, stepping up in crucial games and offering real end product. His tenacity and directness are attributes that could prove invaluable in a final where chances might be few.
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Psychological Burden
Beyond the tactical and technical shortcomings, there’s also the psychological angle. Antony has become a lightning rod for fan frustration, and starting him in the final could create unnecessary pressure—not just on him, but on the team as a whole. If he starts poorly or makes an early mistake, the anxiety could ripple through the squad.
Big finals require mentally strong players who thrive under pressure. Antony’s body language and temperament in recent months suggest a player low on confidence and struggling to handle expectations. Amorim, known for building mentally resilient sides, must consider the emotional composition of his XI. Dropping Antony would not only be a tactical adjustment—it would be a message that performance and accountability matter more than price tags and reputations.
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Squad Harmony and the Future
Another factor that Amorim must weigh is squad harmony. Benching a high-profile player like Antony could send a powerful message to the dressing room: meritocracy rules. This approach would signal a break from the old guard mentality that has plagued United for years—a culture where big names often start regardless of form.
Such a move could boost morale among fringe players who’ve been performing well but have felt overlooked. Diallo, Pellistri, or even academy prospects would see the door open for genuine competition and opportunity, aligning with Amorim’s philosophy of rewarding work ethic and potential.
Furthermore, with the summer transfer window approaching, the final is not just a match—it’s a showcase. Amorim will be evaluating which players fit his system moving forward. Starting Antony would be a backward step, delaying the inevitable realization that he might not be part of the club’s long-term solution.
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A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking
Of course, dropping Antony carries risk. Big games often produce unexpected heroes, and Antony does have the raw talent to make an impact. But finals are not about potential—they’re about execution. Amorim must prioritize what gives United the best chance to win, and on current evidence, Antony doesn’t fit that bill.
A front three of Rashford (if fit), Højlund, and Garnacho or Diallo would offer better balance, more direct threat, and greater positional discipline. Such a trio would also embody the energy and aggression that Amorim seeks in his attacking units.
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Conclusion: The Time for Sentiment Is Over
Amorim faces a defining decision ahead of the Europa League final. It’s a moment that will shape both the club’s immediate prospects and the beginning of his managerial tenure at Old Trafford. Antony, once a symbol of a new era under Ten Hag, has become a glaring weak point in a side that cannot afford passengers on the biggest stage.
For Manchester United to prevail and usher in a new chapter under Amorim, the manager must be brave. That starts with making tough calls—and benching Antony is the first of many he will need to make.
If United are to end the season with silverware and hope, the “dreadful” performances of underperforming stars must no longer be tolerated. It’s time for Amorim to stamp his authority—and that begins by axing Antony from the final.
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