Told to play full-back → “I was annoyed to be honest”
Anthony was furious with Ten Haag’s instructions.
“Manchester United winger Anthony has given a brutally honest assessment of his performances last season in a new interview and opened up about being deployed as a left-back,” British outlet Sports Bible reported on Tuesday.
Anthony made a highly anticipated £85 million move to United from Ajax almost two years ago. Reunited with former Ajax manager Erik ten Haag, Anthony was expected to add dynamism to the United attacking line. Anthony scored on his debut against Arsenal and it looked like he was going to fulfill expectations right away, but it was a complete illusion.
Despite flashes of brilliance here and there, Anthony hasn’t been a consistent performer in the Premier League. He was up and down, and his physicality didn’t translate well in the physical Premier League.
Anthony’s decline in form has been pronounced and rapid, to the point where coach Eric ten Haag has had to put him in a defensive role he hasn’t played in his professional career. With injuries to full-backs such as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Anthony has played at left-back in recent months.
After another disappointing season 안전놀이터 in 2023/24, he spoke to the Daily Mail about his struggles and commented on playing at left-back and his relationship with Eric ten Haag.
“I’m a person who demands a lot from myself and obviously I wasn’t happy with my season,” he said ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City. A lot of things happened last season. I was a little bit anxious playing at fullback, but that was because if the team lost or drew, I wanted to go into the attack and turn things around and help the team.”
“I was a little nervous about moving to defense. During the game, you get annoyed for a moment, but then it’s over. I have a lot of affection for Ten Haag and he has a lot of affection for me. He’s a great coach and I know I can count on him,” she added.
In March, Anthony was seen muttering to teammate Marcus Rashford after being told to play left-back in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool. Two months later, he expressed his anger again after being asked to play as a makeshift left-back in United’s loss to Arsenal.