“Not going to work…” – Louis Saha tells Erik ten Hag to sell Man United player if he doesn’t leave ‘comfort zone’

Louis Saha has stated that one Manchester United player must leave their ‘comfort zone’ otherwise their long-term future at Old Trafford is at risk.

United have had a difficult season so far filled with issues on and off the pitch. Jadon Sancho’s exile from the squad means that Erik ten Hag’s right side of attack is light.

That is mostly because of the ineffective Antony, who is still yet to show why United paid over the odds for the Ajax winger at the start of last season.

After an underwhelming first year at Old Trafford, it was hoped that the Brazilian would find his feet this term, however, he’s barely looked improved from when he joined.

Still not using his right foot, or going on the outside of the defender, Antony remains predictable on the flank and the team’s lack of control across the season has meant he gets even fewer opportunities than he did last season.

Louis Saha, who was at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2008, is not entirely sure whether Antony will have a long-term future at his former club. The Frenchman believes his only chance is to leave his ‘comfort zone’ as fans have been ‘really patient’ with him so far.

“I don’t know,” responded Saha when asked by BetFred if Antony has a long-term future at United. “It was a really tough introduction to the Premier League for him.

“He was able to score a few goals, but now the defenders are aware of his game and read him very well. He has no joy because he’s predictable and as a striker, when a winger is cutting in and putting in a cross, they provide types of balls that are really hard to read and connect with.

“You need crosses that are hit with pace in between the defenders and the goalkeeper and that’s not what Antony is providing. Manchester United now have a striker that’s looking for those types of crosses but Antony isn’t offering those options. He needs to do the right things for the team, regardless of whether he likes to do them or not. 

“I, like many other fans, have been really patient with Antony, but now he has to bring more diversity to his game and come out of his comfort zone. If he doesn’t come out of his comfort zone, then what he’s doing currently isn’t going to work for this team.”