Antony was left bemused as he shook his head after being snubbed by Erik ten Hag during the Manchester derby.

The Brazilian began on the bench with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes starting ahead of him as Manchester United looked to upset the form book and see off neighbours Manchester City. Erling Haaland’s brace had the visitors 2-0 up with 15 minutes remaining though as the hosts rang the changes.

Mason Mount was bought on for the beginning of the second half before Ten Hag then made a double change on 73 minutes. Sergio Reguilon and, crucially, Alejandro Garnacho were introduced as United chased the game. Antony remained in his seat and shook his head as the camera panned to him. He was eventually bought on with just four minutes left.

The former Ajax man, signed for huge money last term, has struggled to make an impact since joining from the Dutch side. Garnacho’s introduction suggests Antony finds himself someway down the pecking order as he looks for more minutes.

The 23-year-old has started five times in the Premier League so far this season, but is far from a guarantee in the starting XI. Anthony Martial was the other notable attacker left on the bench by United, and he too was introduced late on.

Antony himself has only come up with eight goals in his United career despite his standing as the club’s second most-expensive signing in history behind Paul Pogba.