'Like playing with 10 men' - Micah Richards slams Man United star's role in loss vs Liverpool

Micah Richards claimed Manchester United were 'playing with 10 men' against Liverpool because Antony 'wasn't doing his work' on the right wing.

The Brazilian attacker, like all of his teammates, endured a nightmare afternoon on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's side were thrashed by Liverpool at Anfield. United conceded six times in the second half of the Premier League clash, with the Reds suffering a 7-0 defeat for the first time since Boxing Day in 1931

Ten Hag opted for Diogo Dalot over Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back for the clash against Jurgen Klopp's men, but the Portuguese defender struggled against the lively front three of Liverpool. However, former Manchester City defender Richards admitted he was confused by the role of Antony as the summer arrival offered little-to-no protection for his teammate on the right flank.

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Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson was a constant threat up and down the left wing, and Richards believes that United were at a disadvantage due to Antony's defensive efforts.

"There was no communication between (Diogo) Dalot and Antony, it was like playing with 10 men because Antony wasn't doing his work down that side," Richards said on Match of the Day 2. "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 - who scored the winning goal in United's Europa League play off triumph over Barcelona - was reluctant to defend against Liverpool, which provided Robertson with plenty of space to attack.

Richards admitted he was confused as to whether the Brazilian attacker was being 'lazy', of if he had been