Erik ten Hag backs underperforming £86 million United man after another dreadful performance

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Erik ten Hag has backed one of his underperforming stars for Manchester United as the pressure builds on the 53-year-old Dutchman.

The former Ajax boss cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as he watched on as his Manchester United side were soundly beaten 3-0 by Newcastle United’s B team.

One player in particular caused the most frustration from the Old Trafford support and that was former Ajax winger Antony.

The £86 million signing has not justified that price tag at all and has somehow regressed from his inconsistent start last season. The winger ballooned a 30-yard shot over the bar which summed up his current form.

Ten Hag on Antony

Speaking after the game to the media, Erik ten Hag spoke about the Brazilian’s form and was keen to back him all the way for the Red Devils.

“There is also the team, first, the team is not playing well, when they don’t bring him the balls, again, I’m also responsible for that. But, obviously, also, there’s a lot of noise and that dropped his levels,” Ten Hag said. “He can do better, but all the players can do better.

“Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave, I am confident he will bring the performance that [shows] he is the right player for us.”

Whether Ten Hag’s confidence is misplaced remains to be seen but that question could be answered in the coming weeks.

United’s overspend

The signing of the Brazilian perhaps sums up United’s struggles better than most. He arrived as a player who was in a position of need but has lost his confidence and lacks many of the traits the team need from the position. United overspent, by a lot.

Due to the perceived lack of backing from the Glazers during Ten Hag’s first summer, it seems like the American family overpaid for the Brazilian and that decision is coming back to haunt them.

Spare a thought for Jadon Sancho, who arguably could play on the right owing to his time in Germany, who is still frozen out of the team and it seems he is on his way out of the club with Chelsea linked with him.