“He’s turning into a joke,” Olympic gymnast Sam Oldham BASHES Antony’s poor performances for Manchester United

Retired English artistic gymnast, and Olympic bronze medallist, Sam Oldham hits out at Manchester United’s Brazilian winger Antony on his series of poor performances.

In the recent episode of BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘The Red Devils’ Advocate’ Podcast, Sam Oldham did not shy away from hitting out on Antony. He said so while addressing as a Manchester United and not as a fellow, retired, athlete. Adding to his point, he said that a team of United’s stature should not be ‘grasping for straws’.

He [Antony] is turning into a bit of a joke, isn't he, a little bit.

Sam Oldham said on BBC Radio Manchester

Sam has been a United fan for long. He has also been spotted in the Old Trafford stands with his dad. So, coming from him, a rant about the Red Devils’ recent run of form is no surprise. He also highlighted how much expectation there is from a Brazilian player, coming into the league. But, he further added that his concern is because of the loss in the focus of these players. Sam highlights that it might be due to the switch from a humble lifestyle to a much more lavish lifestyle. He added:

I think my concern always with the young Brazilian players that come over here is that, I think of like Robinho and even the greats like Ronaldinho, they come over here and all of a sudden they are making big bucks. Their life back there is so tough. Do they kind of lose that focus that got them the big contract in the first place?

The 30-year-old retired gymnast quickly then links Antony’s situation to it and says that the Brazilian winger has been “terrible” for Manchester United. Further, questions the club as to why he is even playing.

Antony came to the club from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £85.5 million. However, he’s had a tough time making a mark, only scoring eight goals in 55 games since then. Experts and fans questioning the management, and Erik ten Hag‘s poor decision-making is a result of the player’s poor show.

Sam Oldham also talks about Manchester United’s attacking woes

Talking on the BBC Radio Manchester’ ‘The Red Devils’ Advocate’ Podcast Sam Oldham further highlighted the shortcomings of the Manchester United side under Erik ten Hag. He said the team’s forwards’ poor run of form is the reason why they have scored just 12 goals in 11 Premier League games this season.

The retired English gymnast also said that the newly bought young Danish striker, Rasmus Hojlund has failed to score so far in the 8 league games, due a to lack of support from other forward-lying players. He said:

It is a lot of pressure for Hojlund. He's the number-one striker at Manchester United. Maybe they were hoping that Marcus Rashford was going to play like he did in the second half of last season and they were thinking that would help?

Marcus Rashford had a 30-goal 2022-23 season for United. Fans hoped for something similar if not the exact replication of it, but it was not to be. So far, in 14 games across all the competitions, Rashford has only scored a goal and has provided 3 assists.

Sam Oldham voiced his worry, mentioning that United are having trouble scoring goals and narrowly winning by 1-0 margins, like in the 91st minute at Fulham. He stressed that the players need to be more confident if there is a chance of a top-4 finish.

Currently, Manchester United sit in 8th place with 18 points from 11 games. They are also 6 points off fourth-placed Arsenal right now.

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