Man United’s Antony set for spell on sidelines after being stretchered off vs Fenerbahce
Antony was taken off the pitch on a stretcher
Manchester United winger Antony could be facing a spell on the sidelines after being spotted leaving the stadium on crutches following Thursday night’s Europa League draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
United recorded their third consecutive draw in the competition, extending their winless streak in the Europa League to 12 months.
The situation worsened for manager Erik ten Hag after the match, as Antony, who was substituted in during the 73rd minute for Marcus Rashford, had to be withdrawn just 16 minutes later for Amad Diallo.
Although the injury initially seemed minor, the Brazilian displayed visible discomfort and signaled to the bench that he required a replacement.
A stretcher was brought onto the pitch to assist Antony off the field, and he was later seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his left leg as he passed through the media mixed zone on his way to the United coach.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag told MUTV: “It’s really unlucky for him.
“I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.
“His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on.
“When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see.
“Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”
So far this season, Antony has contributed only one goal in five appearances across all competitions, and Ten Hag can ill afford any more injuries.
The Dutchman defended his decision to introduce the 24-year-old ahead of Amad – a choice that drew criticism from some fans on social media – by stating that Antony had been “training very well.”
Since his arrival from Ajax in a reported £86million transfer overseen by Ten Hag, Antony has registered just 12 goals and five assists in 86 matches for United.
He has struggled to meet expectations this season, with Alejandro Garnacho, Rashford, and Diallo all preferred in wide positions.
With key players including Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia already absent from the trip to Istanbul, Ten Hag has plenty of injury concerns to manage.
The result did little to alleviate the pressure on his position, either.
Christian Eriksen initially put the away side ahead with a powerful finish following a flowing move involving Garnacho, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee – marking their first shot on goal.
However, the good fortune did not last long.
Andre Onana made two stunning saves from Youssouf En-Nesyri to keep United ahead at half-time, but the Fenerbahce striker equalized shortly after the break with a header from Allan Saint-Maximin’s cross.
The home side was also denied a penalty for Manuel Ugarte’s challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel, leading to Jose Mourinho’s dismissal from the touchline.
In search of inspiration, Ten Hag brought on Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund in the 55th minute, but United failed to find the breakthrough.
They now sit 21st in the Europa League table, having failed to secure a win against FC Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce.
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