Antony’s injury is ‘SERIOUS’, admits Erik ten Hag after he was taken off on a stretcher in 4-1 win over Chelsea… as Man United boss awaits results on Brazilian winger and Luke Shaw ahead of FA Cup final
- Antony looks to have been seriously injured in Man United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea
- There are fears the winger, taken off on a stretcher, won’t be fit for FA Cup final
- After the match, manager Erik ten Hag admitted the injury to him was ‘serious’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted Antony’s injury was ‘serious’ as concerns grow about his availability for the FA Cup final.
The winger was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of Manchester United‘s penultimate home match of the season against Chelsea on Thursday evening, which they won 4-1 at Old Trafford.
Brazilian Antony went down in a heap just before the half-hour mark after successfully navigating his way through a crowded Chelsea defence before being clattered in a challenge by Blues defender Trevoh Chalobah.
When asked about the severity of the injury after the game, Ten Hag said: ‘I don’t know. Everyone has seen he came off. I can tell you that it’s serious but we have to wait a minimum 24 hours and then we know probably more about the status of his injury.’
United went on to secure Champions League football in the absence of the winger who has been a vital part of their success so far this season.
Manchester United’s Brazilian winger Antony was carried off on a stretcher against Chelsea
Antony (right) went down injured after being tackled by Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah (left)
Man United boss Erik ten Hag (right) attempted to comfort Antony as he was withdrawn – and after the match, the Dutch manager admitted the injury to the Brazilian winger was ‘serious’
The incident saw Antony hit the Old Trafford turf, momentarily rising to demand a foul before curling up and rolling around in agony as play carried on.
No free-kick was given as Chalobah appeared to win the ball cleanly and Antony at first glance looking like he was playing for the foul that never came.
However, concern began to grow as the 23-year-old started to slam his first into the ground and held his leg while writhing around in considerable discomfort. The ball was eventually put out of play by Aaron Wan-Bissaka to allow United’s medics to rush onto the pitch and treat the injured winger.
Medics attempted to apply treatment to his lower right leg, but quickly realised that the former Ajax star would have to be withdrawn from proceedings. Replays showed that Antony’s ankle appeared to drag behind and twist while his body was propelled forward into the penalty box.
The summer signing looked distraught as the stretcher signalled the end of his time in United’s penultimate home match of their Premier League campaign and possibly the rest of the season.
Antony is now a serious doubt for Manchester United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City
Antony attempted to wave away the physio team carrying the aid, trying to stand before admitting defeat as the pain became overwhelming.
He was met by Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag in the dugout who attempted to comfort the flair player as he made his way back towards the dressing room.
Marcus Rashford was substituted on, and later scored against Chelsea, as the forward’s replacement as Antony was carried down the tunnel to receiver further treatment.
United will also be sweating on Luke Shaw’s fitness ahead of their upcoming FA Cup final against derby rivals Manchester City on Saturday, June 3 after the full-back was substituted at half-time amid concerns over a back injury.
