Joe Cole claims Man United are trying to sell star Winger after Brighton defeat

Joe Cole claims Man United are trying to sell star Winger after Brighton defeat

Joe Cole claims that Antony “cost” his teammates in the Premier League loss to Brighton and feels that Manchester United is actively attempting to move him.

On Saturday, Antony’s lackluster tenure at Old Trafford continued as he was benched for the team’s trip to Brighton and then entered as an injury substitute.

Antony was accused of disappointing his teammates even during his brief on-field appearance, as he made a feeble challenge that allowed Brighton to score a late winner.

Cole berated Antony for not “putting his body on the line,” claiming that the Brazilian ultimately “cost” his team and his organization.

The former England midfielder added that Antony “probably” wants to leave and that Manchester United was attempting to sell him before the summer transfer deadline.

United spent more than £80m to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022 but the 24-year-old continued to underwhelm.

‘Manchester United brought on Antony who in all due respect, probably isn’t happy to just play 10 or 15 minutes,’ Cole told TNT Sports. ‘He’s an £80m player.

‘He probably wants out the door at United and they probably want him out as well.

‘You’re bringing him on and in that crucial moment when there’s a ball to be won, a body needs to be put on the line for your team and for your club, he didn’t do it and it cost his team.

‘That’s the difference. If you look at the running the Brighton subs went through, it was fantastic.’

Antony was linked with a move away from Old Trafford earlier in the summer but his agent insisted he was determined to turn his United career around.

Danny Welbeck gave Brighton the lead against his former club, scoring his 100th career goal.

Amad Diallo put a difficult week behind him to equalise for Manchester United, who then had a goal disallowed for an incredibly unfortunate offside.

It appeared as though the clash would end 1-1 but Brighton scored a late winner through Joao Pedro to send United back to Old Trafford empty-handed.