Rio Ferdinand has demanded that Manchester United sell Antony, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia immediately.
The Red Devils are currently in the middle of a terrible campaign. They are thirteenth and only ten points clear of the relegation zone.
But Ruben Amorim's roster could look very different at the end of the month as a host of stars are expected to leave. That includes Rashford, who has not returned to the starting line-up under the Portuguese head coach, while Antony is expected to leave. Real Betis are closing in on a loan deal for the Brazilian.
Ferdinand believes the duo – alongside defender Tyrell Malacia – should be jettisoned sooner rather than later for the team's benefit. Asked about the trio he said: “I think Antony is going, someone said to me: Real Betis or something like that. Just take them out man!
'Sorry, no, I'm just being honest. The more guys like this are around, where there's just a bad noise, they all want to go, they're all happy to go – let's just get them out. Let's start again.
“You know how it is: when there are people who are restless and things don't go according to plan and they're not happy, it spreads. It's like a cancerous, bad energy.”
Antony's departure is no surprise given the disappointment he has suffered since his big-money move from Ajax, while Malacia has struggled with injuries. Rashford, meanwhile, has made just one matchday squad appearance since being dropped against Manchester City.
And last week Ferdinand claimed he is unlikely to be at Old Trafford at the end of the transfer window. He said: “If we can believe that, he hasn't featured in the games since, so I'd be surprised if he's still a Manchester United player at the end of this transfer window. I have to be honest.
“I don't think it's about who is responsible. The blame lies with both parties, the player, the club and perhaps the management. I think there is probably a shared blame.”
“But ultimately, when you look at it as a player, you look at yourself first. That's what I hope he will do and then say: 'I'm not looking back anymore, I'm going to look forward'.” And if it's not at Manchester United, wherever it may be, I would wish him the best of luck, I want him to do well.”
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