Manchester United injury woes pile on as 24-year-old star stretched off in Europa League clash vs Fenerbahce - Reports
Manchester United have suffered another injury setback as forward Antony was taken off the pitch on stretchers during their UEFA Europa League clash with Fenerbache. The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by the Turkish outfit on Thursday (October 24).
Christian Eriksen gave Erik ten Hag’s side the lead with a well-taken strike just 15 minutes into the clash. Joshua Zirkzee set up the Danish midfielder perfectly. However, Fenerbache drew level four minutes after the break through a Youssef En-Nesyri header.
With the scores leveled at 1-1, Ten Hag decided to throw Antony into the ring in the 73rd minute, with the 24-year-old replacing Marcus Rashford. However, the Brazilian star suffered a knock and was replaced by Amad Diallo 16 minutes after coming on.
Antony was taken off the pitch on a stretcher as Manchester United settled for a third consecutive draw on the continent this season. As per journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, the former Ajax winger will be assessed by the club doctors to ascertain the seriousness of the injury.
This injury further adds to the club’s long list of injured players. Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Johnny Evans are all currently sidelined.
As for Antony, the Brazilian continues to struggle to make an impact since his reported $95 million (via Transfermarkt) move to Old Trafford in 2022. He has managed just 155 minutes in five games across competitions this term, posting one goal.
“It’s really unlucky for him” – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts to Antony’s injury
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he felt sorry for Antony after the Brazilian winger came off injured in the side’s Europa League clash with Fenerbache.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said about Antony (via the club’s website):
"It's really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training."
He added:
"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."
Antony has endured a difficult period since joining the Red Devils from Ajax two seasons ago. The 24-year-old has recorded 12 goals and five assists in 86 appearances for the Red Devils.