Erik ten Hag issues his sternest warning to Antony so far, Man Utd winger is now under serious pressure

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Manchester United winger Antony is hoping for a chance in the Carabao Cup this week, after a slow start to the season.

Antony missed the 2023 FA Cup Final due to injury, when he likely would have started. In 2024 he simply was not selected.

This left him needed to reset and improve during pre-season – but Antony did not impress and had clearly been overtaken by Amad.

It has meant that in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Antony has played just one minute as substitute.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Erik ten Hag on Antony

Antony has a chance to play when Manchester United face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, the first midweek game of the season. Rotation is expected.

Erik ten Hag was asked about Antony during his pre-match press conference, and issued a stern warning.

Responding to a question about the former Ajax winger, he said: “We have every day training, and the players have to earn the right to play.

“When players do the right things in training, when the attitude is good, when they show performance in training, then they will earn the right to play.”

Ten Hag’s comments may have just been poorly worded, yet they also read as an indirect criticism of the Brazilian, suggesting he is not training up to the required standard, to force his way into the team.

Just one minute of action this season is a damning indictment of Antony, who is one of Manchester United’s most expensive signings of all time.

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

Amad is a bigger obstacle for Antony

Antony must clearly raise his own levels, which is tough when he is not playing regular football. Ten Hag wants a positive attitude, as a prerequisite.

Amid speculation linking him with a move away, Antony was determined to stay, showing he does want to fight for his place.

The bigger problem is the rise of Amad, who has become untouchable in United’s starting XI. The winger created six goalscoring chances in the win at Southampton, and adds more balance and unpredictability to United’s play than Antony’s one-footed approach.

Ten Hag’s comments put Antony under serious pressure, not just against Barnsley, but over the course of the coming season.

If he cannot force his way into the team, or at least become a more regular rotation player, then the future for Antony at Old Trafford does not look bright.