Antony handed Man Utd debut in Arsenal clash as Ronaldo again overlooked

New signing Antony was named in Manchester United’s starting line-up for the first time for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The Brazil international became United’s second-most expensive signing when joining from Ajax for £86million (€100m) earlier this week.

Antony was expected to be included among the substitutes against Arsenal, but the winger was instead named in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.

The introduction of debutant Antony was the only change from Thursday’s 1-0 win at Leicester City, with Anthony Elanga dropping to the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo was also named among the subs for the fourth game running, while Casemiro must wait for his first start for the club.

Ten Hag had previously named the same starting line-up for United’s past three matches, each of which finished in victories.

@Antony00 is all set for his United debut.

Let’s go, Reds! #MUFC || #MUNARS

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 4, 2022

As for Arsenal, they were boosted by the return of Oleksandr Zinchenko after recovering from a knee injury that kept the full-back out of Arsenal’s previous two matches.

Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard were also fit enough to start after overcoming knocks sustained against Aston Villa.

Arsenal entered the game top of the embryonic Premier League table after winning their opening five matches.

The Gunners had only started three previous top-flight seasons with a run of five wins, doing so in 1930-31, 1947-48 and 2004-05.

Introducing our starting XI…

@AaronRamsdale98 starts
 Zinchenko returns from injury
 @GabiMartinelli in attack

#MUNARS pic.twitter.com/bCZJBxJciG

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 4, 2022

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford.

Subs: Dubravka, Heaton, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire, Fred, Casimiro, Elanga, Ronaldo.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Lokonga, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.

Subs: Turner, Tierney, Cedric, Tomiyasu, Holding, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Marquinhos, Nketiah.