Instant verdict on Antony performance vs Barnsley, Man Utd winger sends Ten Hag message

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Manchester United thrilled fans with slick attacking football in Carabao Cup as they overwhelmed sorry Barnsley 7-0 to progress to the next round.

Of course, when the win is as convincing as that, there are bound to be many heroes, especially in the attacking sense.

For a team generally starved of many goals, this game exemplified Erik ten Hag‘s suggestion of goals flowing like ketchup once one goes in.

In amongst all the madness, Antony, much-derided and completely devoid of confidence, had the kind of game he needed the most of everyone on the pitch.

Antony’s performance vs Barnsley

For the first 15 minutes of the game, Barnsley threatened in spurts while Manchester United had a few sloppy passages of play and Antony wasn’t seen much.

Rashford’s goal broke the dam and once the confidence started flowing, Antony got into the act.

He ran free to take the ball away from the goalkeeper with his first touch and won a penalty. Unexpectedly, he stepped up to take it and converted to completely break Barnsley’s spirits.

He wouldn’t get on the scoresheet again, but against obliging opposition and with his team in the ascendancy, the skills that once made him feared at Ajax were clearly visible.

The slick touch-and-move actions in attack, mazy dribbles that get the fans out of their seats, and crisp passing to break deep blocks were all encouraging signs.

He ended the game with four out of his five shots hitting the target, being completely involved in the attacking phase with 81 touches and 90% passing accuracy.

Perhaps the most striking thing was the sheer confidence with which he approached the ball after a certain point.

Antony has never been an explosive winger who outruns the opposition, so the returning signs of his slick play is a huge boost for United.

Challenge ahead

You can only beat what’s in front of you so the strength of the opposition will be talked about when praising Antony, but for some time now, wins like these haven’t been straightforward.

Coventry last season comes to mind so the result here and Antony’s performance shouldn’t be brushed aside with the benefit of hindsight and the result being known.

Having said that, it is an undeniable fact that Barnsley were obliging opposition and the challenges ahead are unlikely to be easier.

Still, confidence is key in football and regardless of the opposition, just a player feeling good about his game again will do wonders for the squad.

United face their bogey team Crystal Palace next away from home, the place of the 4-0 loss last season so revenge will be on players’ minds.

They couldn’t have asked for a better game to precede that fixture and with players like Antony impressing, the Manchester United squad all of a sudden looks much better beyond the first XI.