West Ham vs Man Utd: Antony Out With Ankle Injury
Manchester United will be without Brazilian winger Antony for their crucial Premier League clash against West Ham on Sunday, as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained during the international break.
The news of Antony's absence comes as a blow to Erik ten Hag, who will be looking to build on United's recent momentum after a crucial win against Newcastle.
Antony's Injury: A Setback for United
The Brazilian attacker, who joined the Red Devils from Ajax last summer, was a key player in their early season resurgence. His pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring ability have made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
He picked up the injury while representing Brazil in a friendly against Guinea, and he is expected to miss a few weeks. This is a significant setback for Ten Hag, who will need to find a suitable replacement for the winger.
Who Will Replace Antony?
With Antony out, the spotlight falls on the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, and Jadon Sancho to step up. Garnacho, a young and promising attacker, has been making waves with his performances for the U21s and could be handed a starting role. Sancho, who has been struggling for consistency this season, will need to rediscover his form and contribute effectively.
The absence of Antony presents a tactical dilemma for Ten Hag, but it also provides an opportunity for other players to prove their worth.
The Importance of the West Ham Match
Sunday's game against West Ham is a crucial encounter for United, who are currently chasing a Champions League place. The Hammers are in good form, making the match a potential banana skin for the Red Devils.
The absence of Antony, combined with the injury to Raphael Varane, means that United will need to be at their very best to secure a victory.
Looking Ahead: Can United Overcome This Challenge?
While Antony's absence is a setback, United have a deep squad and will be confident of getting a result against West Ham. The players will need to step up and fill the void left by the Brazilian, but the squad has the quality and experience to overcome this challenge.
With a crucial run of fixtures ahead, the Red Devils will need to maintain their focus and consistency. Despite the injury to Antony, the team will be determined to make a strong push for Champions League qualification.