Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper and Danish international,Peter Schmeichel has questioned Manchester United head coach,Erik Ten Hag’s decision to sign Brazilian winger,Antony Matheus dos Santos rather than Ghanaian star,Mohammed Kudus.
Both players played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax Amsterdam,but moved to the English Premier League in different seasons.
A significant portion of Schmeichel’s critique centers on the players ‘play following their arrival in England, with particular emphasis on Kudus’ exceptional Premier League debut campaign.
Despite his initial difficulties in getting a consistent run of games since joining the Hammers,Kudus has started West Ham’s last 5 premier league games and has repaid the faith of manager,David Moyes with 4 goals in 5 games,as he look to permanently nail down a starting berth in the team.His superb performances in front of goal has further seen him hit double figures in all competition for the Hammers,10,whiles Antony is yet to get off the mark for Manchester United.
Kudus completed his move from the Dutch capital to the English capital in a €43m deal,which at this point looks like a bargain.His impressive performances has left Manchester United legend,Peter Schmeichel,questioning Erik Ten Hag’s recruitment strategies.
“There’s something about that boy [Kudus], he’s special. I don’t get it if he [Ten Hag] knows these boys very well, why did he pick Antony ahead of Kudus?” he said on Premier League Production.
Schmeichel made this comment on what was yet another exhilarating performance from Kudus in West Ham’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Kudus was on target against the Red Devils,with Kobbie Mainoo giving the ball away to Kudus in midfield,who then made a long run from the half way line before slotting the ball into the net with his weaker right foot to beat Andre Onana and seal the victory for West Ham.The disparity between the two former Ajax men,Kudus and Antony left Schmeichel concerned.
Antony, 23, who cost United £82m from Ajax in 2022, is yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the Red Devils in all competitions this term,but has already featured 19 times amid a troubled season following allegations of domestic abuse.
Although Antony put up great numbers in his days at Ajax;registering the second-most shots in the Eredivisie in both 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons,the main frustration about the Brazilians game has been his goal contributing outputs,with Antony failing to hit double figures for goals in his stellar season in Holland.
Meanwhile,West Ham United are unbeating in their last 7 home games in all competitions,moving to sixth place in the league.Mohammed Kudus indicated that,the victory over Manchester United is West Ham United’s gift to fans of the club ahead of the festive period.
“We stayed disciplined and like I said, you know, am very happy for us to win this for them-West Ham fans-they are going to have their amazing Christmas to enjoy and this-beating Man United-is a gift from us to them.”
Kudus continues to shine for West Ham but not for long,with Ghana heavily reliant on the forward ahead of the AFCON.The Black Stars will be hoping Kudus’ rich vein of form persist as they aspire to break a 41 year trophy drought.
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Story by: Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
