Manchester United’s two worst players in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City were both handed starts against Sheffield United. It didn’t go well.
When you look back at Manchester United’s collapse against Coventry,it’s pretty easy to pinpoint where it all went wrong.
The double change to take off Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo saw Antony and Christian Eriksen come on.
Both are experienced players, however, they lacked the dynamism of the young duo and were the two weakest players on the pitch as Coventry clawed their way back into the game.
Christian Eriksen and Antony lucky to start
After their woeful performances at Wembley, which Eriksen only slightly redeemed by stepping up to score in the shootout, both players were incredibly fortunate to start against Sheffield United.
Really, the only reason they did, was due to a reduction in alternative options, due to an escalating injury crisis.
Casemiro moving into central defence and Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat not being fit enough to start, mean that Eriksen was by default, the only midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
Erik ten Hag could have moved Bruno Fernandes further back and started Amad higher up, but he went with the more basic option of Eriksen instead.
As for Antony, he could also have been left out for Amad, but Ten Hag gave the Brazilian a reprieve.
If this was the second chance both players wanted to make it up to their manager and the fans, they did not take it.
How Antony and Eriksen played
Both Antony and Christian Eriksen fared poorly in our player ratings, with Andre Onana also disappointing against Sheffield United.
Antony lasted only 55 minutes before being taken off for Amad. The Brazilian lost eight duels, more than any player on the pitch, despite his limited minutes.
He did create two chances, with one shot attempted missing the target. It was no surprise to see him hauled off, with Amad looking more lively and unpredictable.
Christian Eriksen meanwhile just hasn’t looked like the same player since returning from injury just over a year ago.
There was a moment in the second half where teammate Casemiro berated him after he had to mop up after the Dane had given the ball away.
Eriksen missed the target with both of his shots. But it is on the other side of the ball where he is a real non-factor, winning zero tackles, and winning just one duel.
As with Antony, it was no surprise to see him substituted on 64 minutes for Scott McTominay, with the Scotland international rushing back from injury to try and help the team.
This coming weekend neither Antony or Eriksen deserve to start against Burnley.
It just depends whether Erik ten Hag will have any viable alternative available, but surely, he has to try something a little different.
