Dimitar Berbatov tells Man United’s Antony to cut out ‘stupid things like tricks’ and ‘keep your game simple’ as the £85m Brazilian winger struggles for form

• Antony has yet to register a goal or assist in 11 United outings this season
• Brazilian winger has been advised by Berbatov not to over-complicate his game
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off 

Dimitar Berbatov has told Antony to cut out ‘stupid things like tricks’ and keep his football simple as the £85million Brazilian winger struggles for form at Manchester United.

Antony has yet to contribute a goal or an assist in 11 United outings this season as Erik ten Hag’s side lurch from one setback to another.

The 23-year-old was hooked for Facundo Pellistri 63 minutes into United’s 1-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, with the Uruguayan setting up the decisive goal for Bruno Fernandes.

Having left the field to a combination of ironic cheers and jeers at Craven Cottage, it remains to be seen if Antony starts Wednesday night’s crunch Champions League game with Copenhagen.

Former Old Trafford striker Berbatov told Betfair, via the Manchester Evening News: ‘Erik ten Hag likes Antony; everybody knows that because they worked together at Ajax.

Antony has struggled for form during the early part of the season at Manchester United

The £85million Brazilian winger was hooked for Facundo Pellistri at Fulham last Saturday

Former United striker Dimitar Berbatov has told Antony not to overcomplicate his game

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‘It’s clear he has a soft spot for him because every coach is like this with certain players.

‘Ten Hag is giving Antony his trust. Antony needs to know that every time he steps on the pitch, he must justify Ten Hag’s trust, work his socks off to show, ‘yes boss, you’re trusting me, I don’t want to let you or the team down.’

‘However, right now, it’s not working well for Antony, so my piece of advice would be to keep it simple, don’t overcomplicate stuff.

‘The moment you start thinking you’re Ronaldinho or [Zinedine] Zidane while you’re struggling in games, you’re going to suffer even more.

‘Don’t try to do stupid things like tricks that are not beneficial for the team.’

The Bulgarian advised Antony to just keep his game simple, adding: ‘You’re so quick, use your pace to get in behind the defence, get on the ball and start to record assists or shoot to score.

‘That’s how simple it is. Stay disciplined and concentrated – it’s not so difficult.

Berbatov told Antony to concentrate on beating opponents with speed rather than trickery

The Brazilian struggled to get the better of Antonee Robinson during United’s game at Fulham

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Antony doesn’t play the next game, though, because everyone saw he wasn’t at his best against Fulham. So, let’s see what Ten Hag decides.

‘There is a talent in Antony, but don’t overcomplicate stuff. When you build your confidence back, then you can start doing the complicated side of the game and showing your tricks.’

Antony scored eight times across all competitions during his debut season for United after his big money move from Ajax later in the summer window.  

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