Andy Cole is not convinced winger is ‘ standard’ after his first season in English football.
United paid £85million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford last August with keen to work with him again following their success together at .
, winning the club’s goal of the season award for his tie-winning strike that knocked Barcelona out of the Europa League, scoring eight times in all competitions.
Only four of them came in the Premier League where winger managed just two assists, however.
Club legend Cole, who won five league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League at Old Trafford, is not yet sold on Antony, pointing to the impact former teammates Ryan Giggs and David Beckham had in more orthodox wide roles.
‘This inverted winger role that Antony plays, as a striker you want your wingers to create chances for you,’ Cole told.
‘Antony has had two assists in the Premier League this season, and he’s only scored four goals.
‘I know it’s his first season and Manchester United paid a lot of money for him, but if you’re a winger then you have to be creating more chances.
‘Look at Manchester United’s former players like David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, look at their goals and assists, that’s Manchester United’s standards.
‘Will Antony improve next season? I hope so, he’s young but we’ll have to see.’
United secured a third place finish and the Carabao Cup in ten Hag’s first season in charge.
The Dutchman’s efforts to improve the squad this summer are complicated by the club’s ongoing ownership saga with Mason Mount thought to be the only player a bid has gone in for this far.
Chelsea rejected an opening offer of £40million for the midfielder last week with United expected to return with an improved bid.
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