Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag felt Antony “had to score” against Nottingham Forest but was happy with the Brazilian’s overall display.
United’s number 21 has recently been the subject of criticism from Red Devils legends Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand.
The former Reds defenders believe the 22-year-old is capable of way more and are concerned about his over reliance of cutting inside onto his favoured left foot.
Ferdinand wants to see the 15-time Brazil international beat defenders one-v-one while Neville believes the former Ajax forward should analyse how Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez keeps left-backs guessing, with his willingness to use his weaker foot.
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Erik ten Hag reacts to Antony’s performance against Nottingham Forest
Antony, who has scored five goals in 20 appearances since sealing his big money summer move to Old Trafford, was up against his compatriot Renan Lodi in last night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Following a sweeping move involving Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst, Antony was in on goal but his effort was saved by Forest stopper Wayne Hennessey.
Giving his verdict on Antony’s performance at The City Ground, which saw United take a giant stride to booking their place at Wembley for next month’s final following a commanding 3-0 win, Ten Hag felt the right-winger had to score, but praised the South American’s overall performance.
Speaking via the club’s website, following the comfortable victory against Steve Cooper’s side, Ten Hag said: “I think he played a really good game. And I think he was a threat, he was good in between the lines, and [played with] good physicality.
“He had also some good actions to [take on] the opponent. He had to score, it was a great combination and we want to see that more.
“The more combinations and more dynamic [play] in the front line, we are working on that part. That is the most difficult part, and I saw some good movements today and also I think in the last couple of games, and I’m happy with that.”
Antony had a big hand in United’s second goal and Weghorst’s first for the twenty-time league champions.
Hennessey could only parry Antony’s volley into the path of the Dutchman who showed his predatory instincts to stab the ball into the roof of the net.
Antony finished the game with four shots, two of which were on target, and created three chances. No player from either side had more shots on goal or created as many chances as the Samba star, as per WhoScored.
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