Although Manchester United has improved greatly in 2024 compared to the end of 2023, they suffered another loss this past weekend.

Fulham ended United’s winning streak at Old Trafford with an amazing 2-1 victory, ending Erik ten Hag’s team’s winning streak.

The manager will, however, be focused on today’s crucial FA Cup matchup with Nottingham Forest, which is the only event in which United can win a trophy.

In light of this, let’s examine the player Ten Hag needs to unleash this evening in order for the Red Devils to advance.

The way Antony played against Forest earlier in the season

Since joining the Red Devils, Antony has cost £86 million, but he hasn’t lived up to the hype; his performances this year have been much below average.

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Despite making 20 appearances in the Premier League this season, the Brazilian has not contributed to any goals. Ten Hag has however shown his support for the 24-year-old despite this, saying:

“He is my supporter, and he will fight back. He now has to wait for his opportunity and take up when it presents itself.”

Premier League Manchester United Jayden Addai Antony Rasmus Hojlund
When Antony last started in the Premier League, it was against Forest at the City Ground in December, and he barely made an impression on the match.

The winger had three dribble attempts completed, a 78% pass accuracy, and no shots in 54 minutes. However, his replacement that day might be the key to opening up the Tricky Trees defence tonight.

Against Forest, Amad Diallo has to start.

Tonight will be the ideal chance for the attacker to be featured in the starting lineup, as the United supporters have been clamouring for Amad Diallo to make his first start of the season.

The 21-year-old played a season-long loan at Sunderland, where Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig said he was “pure talent” and simply amazing.

diallo-sunderland amad
Despite Antony’s ability to create something out of nothing, Diallo scored 13 goals and contributed three assists in 27 starts for the Black Cats.

The Ivory Coast international showed glimmers of his ability to do this against Forest the previous game; his vital statistics from his second-half cameo are displayed in the table below.

The play of Amad Diallo against Forest

Statistics

Amad

Minutes

36

bullets that hit their target

1.

Touches using an ATTT pen

4

enters the final third

2.

Opportunities generated

1.

Attacks

1.

Duels prevailed.

2 of 2

Ball retrievals

3.

Through FotMob

Due to his style of play, Diallo frequently tries to force the ball into hazardous areas like the penalty box, as evidenced by his two passes into the final third, as the table above shows.

As evidenced by his four touches in the opposition box and goal, the former Atalanta star is also significantly more direct than Antony, trying to get inside the box where he can either shoot at goal or set up a teammate with a deft pass.

Amad-Diallo-United Manchester
In addition, Amad adds intensity when it comes to ball recovery. He wins all of his duels, makes one tackle, and recovers the ball three times. These traits will be crucial in what could be a physical contest at the City Ground.

Overall, it’s evident that Diallo is far more valuable to United than Antony is, and if United wins against Forest, the number 16 might have a say in the outcome of the match.