Man United travel to America later this month for their pre-season tour ahead of the 2023/2024 Premier League season
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has insisted Antony will need to take on added responsibility in pre-season as Erik ten Hag gets ready to assess his squad.
United begin their pre-season preparations next week when they face Leeds in Oslo before travelling to Murrayfield a week later to face Lyon. The Reds will then begin their pre-season tour of America on July 22 when they travel to New York to face Arsenal.
Erik ten Hag greets Manchester United players during training in May (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The match against Mikel Arteta’s side marks United’s first of four games in the States as they prepare for the challenges of a new Premier League season. While plenty of eyes will be fixed on Mason Mount following his big-money switch to Old Trafford, Yorke believes a player who was purchased last summer has the most to prove in America.
Speaking exclusively to MEN Sport, the 51-year-old explained: “Antony is a player who needs to prove himself in the pre-season tour and he needs to take on a bit more responsibility. I don’t understand how it takes someone so long to adapt to another league, obviously it’s a different lifestyle [but] I did it coming from the Caribbean.
“In Holland it’s similar weather to England so you’d think he’d be settled. Everything is taken care of for you in football now, whether you have a wife, girlfriend, kids or any family.
“I’m not whingeing but he’s got to perform better for an £85m player, Antony is the player I’ll keep an eye on in pre-season. He’s undoubtedly got talent, but talent is not always enough in any sport you can play.”
Last season the Brazilian notched seven goals and three assists in all competitions for the Reds. However, he was targeted by critics for his occasional showboating antics.
Yorke was speaking to MEN Sport in his role as ambassador for BoyleSports who offer Premier League odds.
Source: мanchestereʋeningnews