Antony, the Brazilian winger at Manchester United, has found himself in a challenging situation as he has only played one minute in the first three Premier League games of the season. Despite interest from Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, Antony is determined to stay at Old Trafford. This decision comes even though he is keen to feature more regularly and improve his form after his £82 million move from Ajax in 2022.
Another issue facing Manchester United is the injury of striker Rasmus Højlund. He suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason tour in the U.S. against Arsenal on July 28. Originally expected to be out for six weeks, there are concerns over his rehabilitation process. The club is taking a cautious approach with Højlund, as there are worries about his lack of fitness building during the summer break. This delicate situation has led United to keep Højlund sidelined longer than initially anticipated.
Aside from Antony and Højlund’s challenges, Manchester United is facing additional setbacks due to injuries. Players like Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Victor Lindelöf, and Leny Yoro are currently sidelined, contributing to the team’s struggles on the field. The team has lost two of the first three games of the season, including a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford. Injuries have forced manager Erik ten Hag to make tactical adjustments, such as using Bruno Fernandes as a false No.9 and giving new signing Joshua Zirkzee more playing time.
United is prioritizing the careful recovery and gradual reintegration of injured players like Højlund to avoid repeating the injury woes that impacted the team’s performance in the previous season. The coaching staff is focusing on easing players back into action to ensure their long-term fitness and availability. This approach reflects the club’s commitment to the overall well-being of the squad and their competitive edge in the Premier League.
Manchester United is navigating through challenges related to player injuries, form, and performance in the early stages of the season. Antony’s loyalty to the club despite external interest and Højlund’s rehabilitative process are critical factors shaping the team’s dynamics. With a proactive approach to managing player recovery and performance, United aims to overcome obstacles and elevate their competitiveness in the ongoing season.