Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are the symbols of Ruben Amorim trying to usher in a new era at Man Utd, but they reportedly believe a relic of the past is a perfect fit for their game.
Ruben Amorim exiled five players at Man Utd before the pre-season even began, in a move that sent a clear message of siege mentality.
Marcus Rashford has since managed to secure a move away and is thriving, while the other four – Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia remain in limbo.
However, if Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo had their way, one out of those four would be with the first team right now.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesMatheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo agree on Antony
Man Utd fans wouldn’t want to see any of these four players back in the team, but Amorim played a media blinder recently when he warned interested teams that they shouldn’t wait for a bargain.
Of all the players on that list, fans would probably be the least miffed with seeing Antony back in the team, such was his performance at Real Betis.
More importantly, Antony has been a professional and didn’t burn bridges with United in a way Sancho or Garnacho did.
Malacia’s case is unfortunate in that Man Utd’s revolution has passed him by, which makes Antony the least uncomfortable reunion at Old Trafford.
As per Ben Jacobs, speaking to The United Stand, that is the feeling among Cunha and Mbeumo too, alongside a few other senior players at the club.
He said: “There’s a feeling from Cunha, Mbeumo, and other senior Manchester United players that Antony is a good fit in this system despite the winger pushing for a move.”
Antony is the least uncomfortable reunion at Man Utd
Antony’s return is not an ideal scenario for anyone involved, but if one reunion had to absolutely happen, it is quite easily his.
It’s ironic to read that Mbeumo is a fan of Antony’s fit in the system, since he’s effectively the upgrade on the Brazilian as the Premier League-proven, left-footed, right-sided attacker.
Cunha’s admiration makes more sense since they are international teammates, and Cunha has raved about Antony before.
If he were to return to the first-team picture, Amorim would at least be slightly encouraged that he’s getting back a player who hasn’t been a problem in the dressing room, and coming off playing the best football of his career elsewhere.
He could also slot in at two positions – either as a backup for Mbeumo as the right No.10, or as a wing-back to back up Amad.
His value to United is still more as a sellable asset than as a player on the pitch, but Cunha and Mbeumo have chosen the best option for a reunion among the exiled players.