KEY POINTS

  • Man Utd defeated Charlton 3-0 on Tuesday
  • Both Antony and Garnacho started in the game
  • Antony has scored 7 goals this season

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is "more exciting" than Brazilian forward Antony, according to club legend Andy Cole.

The two South American forwards, Antony and Garnacho, are competing for more game time at Manchester United. Brazil's Antony is more likely to remain a regular member of the Erik ten Hag side following his $103 million move from Ajax to Old Trafford in the 2022 summer.

The 22-year-old right winger, who was the fourth expensive signing in Premier League history, has netted seven goals in 19 matches across all competitions for Manchester United in the ongoing season.

Antony has scored in Manchester United's last two outings: a 3-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup and a 3-0 victory over Charlton in the League Cup.

Despite Antony's contributions, former Manchester United striker Cole, who won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils during his playing career, is "more excited" by Argentinian teenage prodigy Garnacho, who has made 17 appearances for Manchester United's first team this campaign.

In a recent interview, Cole was asked who he believes has more potential between Antony and Garnacho.

Cole replied, "Garnacho excites me more, to be honest."

"I think he's busy and aggressive when he gets on the ball and he always wants to take people on. He looks to drop a shoulder, go past his defender and get crosses in or get his shots off. As a center forward like me, when you've got a winger like that who wants to put the ball in that makes my mind up early doors because you know you're in the game. I think he's a really talented player and I'd love to see him get more action this season," added Cole.

Both Antony and Garnacho started for Manchester United in their League Cup quarter-final clash with Charlton at Old Trafford and it was the Brazilian who got on the goals sheet on Tuesday.

In 17 outings in the red shirt in the 2022-23 season, Garnacho has netted three goals and provided five assists as well.

Antony (right) fired Manchester United into the League Cup semi-finals
AFP

It was reported that Ten Hag had not picked Garnacho in his squad at the beginning of the season because of the Argentina player's attitude.

"He still has things to learn but it's quite obvious we are really happy with his development, with his performance tonight and he can contribute to this team. Can he have a regular role? Depends on how his approach, how his attitude, when he keeps working, keeps this attitude, then it's possible," Ten Hag said in an interview.

Manchester United have a big game coming up as they are set to host reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday in a Premier League fixture. A victory in the game would take the Red Devils to third place in the table.

Soccer