Gary Neville brutally rips into Man Utd over 'worrying' Antony decision

Gary Neville has blamed Manchester United's ownership for Antony's struggles in a Red Devils' shirt.

Erik ten Hag's side suffered their ninth Premier League defeat of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White cancelled out Marcus Rashford's strike, sealing all three points at the City Ground.

It was another difficult evening for Antony, who was withdrawn from the action in the 53rd minute and replaced by youngster Amad Diallo.

His premature game means he ends 2023 with just one goal in 33 Premier League appearances.

However, Gary Neville has blamed the board for his struggles at Old Trafford, believing that they should have vetoed the move due to the extortionate transfer fees involved.

The Brazilian cost United £85 million in the summer of 2022 and has come under consistent criticism for his below par performances in a red shirt.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp questioned Ten Hag's transfer decisions, describing Antony's move as a 'worry'.

"If he [Ten Hag] thinks Antony is an £85m player, that for me is such a worry. That is terrifying."

Although Neville has pinned the blame on the board for not saying no to the manager.

The former United defender said: "That's the one that is going to stand out - that £85 million. He's obviously nowhere near that level. But there are a lot of deals you can start to look at with a glass half empty looking at the recruitment.

"What looks to have happened is Manchester United's recruitment department can't have gone and watched Antony and signed him off at £85 million.

Neville added: "It looks like they've allowed Ten Hag to overrule them which is worrying because you need strength of leadership at the very top."