Micah Richards has singled out Antony for blame after Manchester United's astonishing 7-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's side stormed to victory at Anfield thanks to braces from Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah. Roberto Firmino came off the bench late on to score a seventh goal and consign Liverpool's bitter rivals to their joint-biggest defeat of all time.
Bruno Fernandes was heavily criticised by Gary Neville for his role in the loss, but Richards has taken aim at Antony. The Manchester City legend believes Erik ten Hag's team were "playing with 10 men" due to the Brazilian's poor performance on Merseyside.
Richards has criticised Antony's failure to support Diogo Dalot at right-back and his overall positioning. "There was no communication between Dalot and Antony, it was like playing with 10 men because Antony wasn't doing his work down that side," said Richards.
"We all know how good [Andy] Robertson and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] are in full-back positions so you would think Antony would try and get closer to Robertson."
Antony has divided opinion since his £85million transfer from Ajax last summer. The 23-year-old is capable of producing match-winning moments - such as his deciding strike against Barcelona last month - but has scored just three goals in the Premier League.
Do you agree with Micah Richards? Let us know in the comments below!
Antony is often criticised for his showboating, while others believe he adds genuine quality and excitement to United's attack. Yet it is hard to disagree with Richards' assessment of Antony considering the lack of protection United's back line had on Sunday.
The Brazilian failed to track back for Liverpool's opening goal, which left Dalot exposed and allowed Robertson to find Gakpo in behind the defence. The Dutchman, who joined Liverpool in January, then whipped the ball into the far corner of David de Gea's net.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Richards added, "He didn't track [Robertson] to begin with - he was eight metres away - and that was just a little taster of what was to happen. Antony needed to come back into that position but he just doesn't do it."
Yet this happened repeatedly on Sunday. Richards said, "I was confused as to whether he was just being lazy for his team or his manager was just telling him to stay up there and be a threat on the counter-attack. Either way, it just kept happening and happening.
"As soon as they lose the ball, he just walks. We are talking about one of the biggest games for Manchester United and when they win the ball back there isn't an option for him to run in behind because he is four yards offside."
Ten Hag must now decide whether to stick or twist with Antony. Jadon Sancho was left on the bench on Sunday and will be pushing for a recall against Real Betis on Thursday. United take on the Spanish giants in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.
