Although they experienced yet another loss last weekend, Manchester United has improved dramatically in 2024 compared to the latter part of 2023.
At Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s team suffered a defeat at the hands of Fulham, who emerged victorious 2-1, ending United’s winning streak.
The FA Cup is the only competition in which United can win trophies, therefore the manager will undoubtedly be focused on today’s huge matchup against Nottingham Forest.
Let’s examine the guy Ten Hag needs to unleash this evening if the Red Devils are to advance while keeping that in mind.
The way Antony played against Forest earlier in the season
Since joining the Red Devils, Antony has cost £86 million, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype; his performances this year have been much below average.
Despite making 20 appearances in the Premier League this season, the Brazilian has not contributed to any goals. Ten Hag has however shown his support for the 24-year-old despite this, saying:
“He is my supporter, and he will fight back. He now has to wait for his opportunity and take it up when it presents itself.”
When Antony last started in the Premier League, it was against Forest at the City Ground in December, and he barely made an impression on the match.
The winger had three dribble attempts completed, a 78% pass accuracy, and no shots in 54 minutes. However, his replacement that day might be the key to opening up the Tricky Trees defense tonight.
Against Forest, Amad Diallo has to start.
Tonight will be the ideal chance for the attacker to be featured in the starting lineup, as the United supporters have been clamoring for Amad Diallo to make his first start of the season.
The 21-year-old played a season-long loan at Sunderland, where Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig said he was “pure talent” and simply amazing.
Despite Antony’s ability to create something out of nothing, Diallo scored 13 goals and contributed three assists in 27 starts for the Black Cats.
The Ivory Coast international showed glimmers of his ability to do this against Forest in the previous game; his vital statistics from his second-half cameo are displayed in the table below.
Due to his style of play, Diallo frequently tries to force the ball into hazardous areas like the penalty box, as evidenced by his two passes into the final third, as the table above shows.
As evidenced by his four touches in the opposition box and goal, the former Atalanta star is also significantly more direct than Antony, trying to get inside the box where he can either shoot at goal or set up a teammate with a deft pass.
In addition, Amad adds intensity when it comes to ball recovery. He wins all of his duels, makes one tackle, and recovers the ball three times. These traits will be crucial in what could be a physical contest at the City Ground.
Overall, it’s evident that Diallo is far more valuable to United than Antony is, and if United wins against Forest, the number 16 might have a say in the outcome of the match.
