Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim spoke to the media for the first time at Carrington today.
He will make his debut against Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Sunday.
The former Sporting CP boss was asked if the players could adapt to new roles in his preferred 3-4-3 formation.
He replied (via ManUtd.com): “They want to play. In this first moment, they just want to play, so it is easy.
“In the future, we will see. You can watch on TV, but you have to train with them to see if they can play in different positions.
“Everyone wants to play now, if they have the opportunity to play as a goalkeeper, they will. They are open to change some positions.”
Final opportunity for Antony to revive his United career
Antony moved to Old Trafford from Ajax in a whopping £84 million deal in 2022.
He has bagged just 12 goals and five assists in 87 appearances for the Red Devils.
Former United captain Gary Neville described him as ‘embarrassing‘ for his antics against Manchester City in 2023.
Erik ten Hag backed him to succeed at United but went overboard at times to select him ahead of more deserving players.
Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo were often left on the bench as Ten Hag preferred Antony.
The Brazil international cannot enjoy that favouritism now and has to earn his place on merit.
Amorim could deploy Antony as a wing-back in his 3-4-3 set-up.
The Portuguese manager prefers his left wing-back to have a solid left foot.
Antony is heavily dependent on his left foot and could get a new lifeline at United.
A switch to wing-back may be his only chance to feature under Amorim.
The £16m-rated winger operated in a right-wing back role during the first training session under Amorim.
This could be his last opportunity to make his mark with United.
If he does not turn around his career over the next six months, the club may cash in on him next summer.
Stats from transfermarkt.com.
