Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a scathing critique of Brazilian winger Antony Santos following the team’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Clearly exasperated, Amorim referred to Antony as a “game killer” and openly questioned whether the winger is suited to the demands of playing for Manchester United.
The defeat, which ended United’s hopes of progressing further in the competition, highlighted several issues within the team, with defensive lapses and Antony’s underwhelming performance drawing particular attention. Antony’s inability to make a meaningful contribution during the match became a focal point in Amorim’s post-match comments.
Amorim did not mince words in his critique, placing much of the blame for the team’s struggles on Antony. He stated, “He needs shouting at. I don’t understand his football—he can’t even make a simple pass! He was the main reason we faltered during critical moments of the match, and it’s not the first time this has happened.
This is why the fans don’t respect his presence in the team, and why he has no relevance to the squad.” Amorim further hinted that Antony’s time at Old Trafford might be coming to an end, adding, “It’s time for him to go. He doesn’t have the qualities required to be a Manchester United player.”
The manager’s blunt assessment reflects the growing frustration among United supporters, many of whom have voiced similar sentiments on social media. One fan commented, “He’s had enough chances. How many more games do we have to endure him messing up basic passes? It’s time for him to leave!” Another added, “Antony doesn’t belong at this club. Amorim is right—he’s been a liability for too long!”
Since his high-profile move from Ajax, Antony’s performances have often fallen short of expectations. While he has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency, poor decision-making, and inability to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity have been glaring issues. Against Tottenham, his failure to create chances or effectively link up with teammates left United exposed, adding to the mounting dissatisfaction among fans at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s criticism raises serious questions about Antony’s future at Manchester United. While the remarks could serve as motivation for the winger to improve, they also suggest that the manager may be prepared to part ways with him if significant progress is not made soon.
As United continues to face pressure to deliver results, patience with underperforming players appears to be wearing thin. Antony remains part of the squad for now, but his future seems increasingly uncertain. Whether he can overcome this challenging period and rediscover his form will determine his fate at Old Trafford. For the club, deciding whether to persist with him or cut their losses could prove pivotal in their efforts to stabilize and achieve success during this demanding season.