Paul Scholes backs ‘thin and confident’ Jadon Sancho to start the FA Cup final against Man City and replace the injured Antony after impressing on the right wing in the 4-1 loss to Chelsea.
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has asked Jadon Sancho to step in and replace Antony if the injured Brazilian is unable to feature in Manchester United’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City in June.
Antony was taken off on a stretcher in United’s 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea on Thursday night after picking up the injury in a fight with Trevoh Chalobah.
Although the Chelsea defender’s challenge on the ball was clean, Antony appeared to drag and twist his ankle as he propelled himself forward into the penalty area.
Erik ten Hag described his winger’s injury as ‘serious’ after the final whistle, and warned the club would have to wait ‘at least 24 hours’ before finding out if the accident ended the season prematurely of the Brazilian.
United have just one Premier League game to play, but their impending final at Wembley gives them the vital opportunity to not only claim their second piece of silverware this season, but also to stifle City’s chance of replicate their historic treble of 1998-99.
Jadon Sancho (right) could provide a strong alternative to Antony in the upcoming FA Cup final
The Brazilian winger writhed in pain after battling with Trevoh Chalobah in the 4-1 win
United legend Paul Scholes (left) urges Erik Ten Hag to test Sancho at Wembley against City
Scholes – a member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble team – heaped praise on Sancho following his performance against the Blues, which saw the 23-year-old slip into Antony’s role on the right wing after the presentation of his teammate Marcus Rashford. as a substitute.
In service for Premier League productionsScholes argued that it was worth it for Ten Hag to play Antony so close to the final.
“You have to play against players, and sometimes you just have a bit of bad luck, and he was unlucky tonight with Antony,” Scholes said, before adding, “but he’s got a good player to play. come.
“Rashford came off the bench tonight, I think Sancho is as good as he has been all season.
“I’m kinda sorry the season has to end for him, he looks fit, he looks neat, he looks neat, he looks quick and he looks so confident too.”
“So I think he could be in this final.”
Sancho has spent most of his 39 appearances in red this season playing on the left, but Scholes’ high regard for his right-handed play – which was prioritized during his time at Borussia Dortmund – could give Ten Hag pause to reflect.
Ten Hag tried to comfort Antony as he was carried off the pitch during the first half against Chelsea
The 23-year-old has had a tough season but is starting to get back to his best as it comes to an end
The player has been inconsistent since his £73m move to Manchester in 2021, struggling to find form and regular playing time.
At the end of 2022, Sancho took a break from first-team action amid concerns over his mental and physical well-being before returning to the squad in February after completing an individualized training program in the native Holland of Ten Hag.
In the second half of the season, the City Academy graduate gradually found his footing and was given a more regular role in the starting XI.
United’s final game against Fulham on Sunday – with the Champions League danger removed – could give head coach Sancho the chance to test Scholes’ theory before June 3.
