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Dimitar Berbatov, the silky-smooth Bulgarian who once pioneered Manchester United’s wings, has launched a fiery critique of the club’s misfiring forward, Antony. Berbatov demanded the Brazilian to take a page out of the Lionel Messi playbook to save his struggling Old Trafford career. Antony’s $105m signing was promised to set the pitch alight with his tricks and flicks. However, his performances have been more missteps than masterpieces. Berbatov, in a way, issued the Brazilian an ultimatum to either ‘find the answers‘ or walk.

As Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans to overhaul Erik ten Hag’s squad, Antony finds himself in cold waters because of his form. Let’s delve into Berbatov’s candid assessment and the advice he offers to Antony to salvage his Red Devils’ career.

Learning from Lionel Messi: ‘Frustrated’ Berbatov’s unconventional solution to Antony, citing every player has ‘difficult spells’

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Dimitar Berbatov’s sentiments towards Antony align with the fans. The Bulgarian forward, known for his elegance on the pitch, has admitted to feeling ‘angry’ when watching Antony on the pitch. With just 8 goals and 3 assists in 66 appearances for the Red Devils, the Brazilian has unfortunately been given entry by the fans into the high-profile failed transfer list at Old Trafford. Speaking to Betfair, the retired icon said, “‘For me, watching as a fan, I get angry when I watch him [Antony] because it’s frustrating”. While acknowledging the challenging spell every player faces, he asks him to take inspiration with a strong condition.

“I don’t want to compare him to anyone because every player has difficult spells. If Antony can’t get out of his, then he needs to go.” However, the crux of Berbatov’s advice lies in inspiration from Lionel Messi. The Argentine star, often regarded as the GOAT, serves as a great book for Antony’s improvement.

Berbatov insisted that the Brazilian winger should devote time to studying the playstyle of Lionel Messi and other successful wingers to enhance his technique. He explained, “Antony needs someone on the pitch to show him where to run, how to run, and when to release the ball. If he can’t find the answers on his own, he needs a coach, a friend, an agent, or his dad, to give him advice. He should even start to watch videos on clips of some right-wingers who have been there and done it.”

In a broader context, Berbatov suggests that Antony’s struggles might be hindering his ability to bounce back, following up to him ‘overcomplicating’ his game. The former Manchester United star suggested that if Antony fails to address his problems soon, a change of scenery might be inevitable for him. He hasn’t completed a full 90 minutes in the EPL since early December with ten Hag now favoring the likes of Alejandro Garnacho.

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As Manchester United gears up for their FA Cup clash against Newport County, Antony will be waiting to get some minutes on the pitch. Will the Brazilian winger take Berbatov’s advice, and find inspiration in Lionel Messi, or his departure is near from Old Trafford? Only time will tell as the drama continues to unfold at Manchester United.

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