Erik ten Hag has given his considered verdict on Antony, winger’s latest social media makes his position clear

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Manchester United winger Antony has had a positive week, making his first start of the 2024/25 season.

Antony started for Manchester United against Barnsley in midweek and contributed to a 7-0 victory.

United’s entire front three clicked well together, and while Antony scored the fewest of the trio, his performance was a step in the right direction.

Up against a League One side, Antony could not really win either way. If he did well, his detractors would simply point to the level of opponent. And if he didn’t then he would be damned further.

Erik ten Hag made clear ahead of the game that he wanted to see positive attitude from Antony, and he believes the Brazilian delivered.

• READ: Who is Antony? Inside the life of Manchester United’s big money Brazilian winger

Ten Hag on Antony

Erik ten Hag is now preparing for Manchester United’s match with Crystal Palace at the weekend, and in his press conference, the manager was asked about Antony.

He made clear he was pleased to see the way the winger responded, and cited him as an example for others.

Ten Hag said: “I think every player should give those reactions. You have to train hard, you have to perform in training, you have to earn the right to play, and when the moment is your chance, you have to take them.”

Has Antony done enough to force his way into the team? This weekend almost certainly not.

Bringing Antony in would mean leaving Amad out, who has arguably been United’s most consistent attacker this season. At the weekend he created six goalscoring chances in the win over Southampton.

Ten Hag referenced his selection dilemma, hinting that Antony’s performance makes his job harder, but probably won’t change his mind. Antony has to gradually claw back his spot, it won’t happen overnight.

The manager added: “But, yeah, the manager can only pick 11 players, and then I can only make five subs, so make sure you are with those 16 players for every game.

“And you do it by, on a consistent basis; perform. In training, and of course, that’s the most important, when the chance is there, you have to perform in a game. You have to contribute to a winning team.”

Antony feels that he made a positive step, and he is ready to try and take the next one.

Antony determined

Antony’s professional and positive attitude was underlined in a social media post on Thursday with United now preparing for the Premier League match with Palace.

He posted on Instagram Stories, a picture of him exercising in his gym, with a message: “The work continues!! We have another important game over the weekend!!”

The win was Manchester United’s biggest under Erik ten Hag, with the Red Devils winning the last two matches by a combined score of 10-0.

Crystal Palace are awkward opponents, beating United 4-0 back in May, but this game presents a chance for Erik ten Hag’s side to exact some revenge.

An away win would be a real statement from United after what happened last time, against an opponent who United have struggled against.

Antony only has one Premier League minute to his name this season. His midweek display has likely earned a few more, even if he has to start from the bench.