Roy Keane has named the Manchester United star who is ‘two steps ahead’ following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Antony opened the scoring in the first half and provided the assist for Diogo Dalot to double the Red Devils’ lead as they leapfrogged Newcastle into third.
Keane was particularly impressed with midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who registered a stellar performance.
The Portugal international created five chances, made 42 passes in the final third and covered 9.6km – the most of any player on the pitch in those three metrics.
Quizzed about Fernandes, United legend Keane told Sky Sports: ‘Brilliant, I really think he’s a brilliant player.
‘He’ll be disappointed he didn’t obviously score, but his quality of his balls into the box – if you’re a striker it’s a dream, you make some runs and he picks you out.
‘Plenty of time today, he’s got a good relationship obviously with [Christian] Eriksen and all the guys around him. I just think he’s pure quality.
‘I know we criticise him when United don’t win football matches. He’s two steps ahead in terms of his quality and the picture he has on the football pitch. I think the guy’s pure quality.
‘He’ll be disappointed again he hasn’t scored but great day for him, very comfortable.’
Fernandes, speaking after the 2-0 win, revealed that he shared a joke with Keylor Navas after the Forest goalkeeper denied him a goal.
‘I just said to Keylor [Navas], he only saved mine!’ Fernandes said. ‘But the result is most important, we want to be in the Champions League next season.
‘I want to get my goals, but [the] team comes first.’
United now turn their attentions to the Europa League and FA Cup before they face a top-four showdown with Tottenham on April 27.
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