Troy Deeney found himself in a debate with a defiant Man United fan after he claimed that Raheem Sterling would get into the team at Old Trafford.
The talkSPORT host made the claim about the Arsenal star earlier this season after seeing Antony, Bruno Fernandes and other offensive stars struggle under Erik ten Hag in the autumn.
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Prior to Man United’s win against Southampton on Thursday, Ruben Amorim’s side were winless in four matches after losing to Newcastle, Bournemouth and Wolves.
And with the rumoured departure of players such as Marcus Rashford, Amorim is in need of new attackers to increase their goal threat.
And despite Sterling mostly sitting on the bench for the Gunners, Deeney holds the opinion that he could be of use to them.
Man United fan Aaron called in to Matterface, Crook and Deeney to question the ex-Watford star on the matter, saying: “I just wanted to ask him if he still thinks that Raheem Sterling is better than anything at Old Trafford?”
In response Deeney said: “At the time, yeah he was. When you look at it and you’re still bringing on Antony I would say yeah.
“When you’ve got Diallo who’s obviously doing well… he’s playing as a wingback though isn’t he? So this was, if you remember before the manager came in and the system changed.”
Asked if Sterling is better than Bruno Fernandes, Deeney asked: “Have you been watching recently?.
“I know he scores a goal, but he’s not been great.”
Aaron countered back and stated: “How can Sterling be better than anyone at Old Trafford.”
“Listen to what I’m saying and you’ll understand,” interrupted Deeney.
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“Bruno Fernandes in this formation has moved up, right? Under the new manager in a new formation he’s moved up.”
But Aaron was not accepting Deeney’s opinions, saying: “On any day Fernandes is better than Sterling it doesn’t matter what you say.
“You’re meant to be a pundit and you said Raheem Sterling who can’t even get off the bench for Arsenal.
“I can name you three or four players better than Sterling. Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho, Mainoo, they’re all better.”
Clearly keen to avoid getting involved in an argument, Deeney said: “Yeah okay, you win.”
This season the Chelsea loanee has played 567 minutes including a third Premier League start in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Spurs.
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Sterling could see a lot more game time following the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
He did assist Ethan Nwaneri’s first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest but has failed to record any more goals and assists in the competition.
Only in the Carabao Cup against Bolton did he manage to score.
Upon signing Sterling many Arsenal fans were hesitant but they trusted Mikel Arteta, a man who previously coached the 30-year-old during his prime years at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
If he can recapture anything like the sort of form he showed at City, Arsenal fans could have a secret weapon for the second half of the campaign.
