Former striker Dimitar Berbatov expressed criticism towards Manchester United player Antony in an interview with the English newspaper “Daily Mail”. The Bulgarian stated that the Brazilian player should adopt a simpler approach instead of ‘thinking he’s Ronaldinho or Zidane’. Berbatov commented on Antony’s need to avoid overly elaborate plays, especially when faced with challenges during matches, suggesting that this could further hamper his performance. He highlighted the player’s speed and advised him to use it to score goals and provide assists.
++ Father of Liverpool’s Luis Díaz is rescued 12 days after kidnapping
Dimitar Berbatov, who was a Manchester United player between 2008 and 2012, emphasized the importance of Antony justifying coach Erik ten Hag’s trust. It is worth noting that they both worked together at Ajax, in the Netherlands, and that the coach recommended the signing of the Brazilian by United.
++ Former WTA world number one Naomi Osaka will return to tennis at the Brisbane International
Berbatov concluded by saying that Antony needs to understand that, whenever he takes the field, he must validate the trust placed in ten Hag. He expressed concern about the player’s current performance and advised adopting a more simplified approach, avoiding complicating situations.
At the end of September, Antony was reinstated to the Manchester United squad after accusations of assault made by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin gained prominence. Other accusations were made by two women, Ingrid Lana, a banker, and Rayssa de Freitas, a student, but neither case was brought to justice. Antony gave a statement in June about the case in São Paulo, alleging a troubled relationship with Gabriela. The player also exposed intimate conversations on social media, stating that he was being forced to publish them and that the meeting with his ex-girlfriend was “intimate and consensual”. He declared that he would resolve the matter in court.