Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has criticised Jadon Sancho and Antony for their displays in Thursday's Europa League contest with Omonia.
Sancho found it difficult to make his mark in the first half of the match and was replaced at the interval, with his replacement - Marcus Rashford - going on to score twice and provide an assist in a 3-2 win.
Antony also struggled during the clash in Cyprus, with the Brazil international unable to add to the two goals that he has already managed since arriving at Old Trafford.
"More runs (what he said at half time), we are too static, we have to make the opposition move to get behind - that is why we made two subs. The subs really had an impact today," Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said after the clash with Neil Lennon's side.
Scholes agreed with Ten Hag over his "too static" comments, with the former midfielder claiming that both Sancho and Antony needed to offer more.
© Reuters
"He was right about the wingers being static," Scholes told BT Sport. "Sancho never really runs in behind. He needs a fast left-back really or a centre forward to link up with and he hasn't really got that at the moment.
"Antony on the other side as well, he doesn't run in behind. He seems to be a bit of a one-trick pony.
"He's always cutting inside and either passing back to the full-back or having a shot. You're thinking he needs to develop a little bit. It's still early days for him, we know that."
Sancho's starting role against Everton on Sunday is now under threat, with Rashford and Anthony Martial both impressing off the bench on Thursday night.
The 22-year-old has shown improvement this season after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, though, managing just three goals in 10 appearances, including two in the Premier League.
© Reuters
Ten Hag was also keen to stress that Man United are in "a process", with the team certain to have setbacks during a transitional period.
"It's a process. A project and a process, we knew that from the start. We have to give every day our maximum. We have to improve every day and also sometimes you fall back," the Dutchman told reporters.
"We have to get up again and that is what I demand from my squad. We have to carry on and every time learn the lessons and give the maximum. Only good for me is good enough and by far we are not that good.
"We have seen on Sunday. We have to do much better and that is what we did in games before – better intensity. We have to bring much better intensity. That was the big difference between City and us. That's the demand to squad and the players have to take responsibility for that."
Man United will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they make the trip to Goodison Park on Sunday evening to face Everton.
Matt Law
