Erik ten Hag says two Manchester United players out until Christmas, responds to question over Antony form

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered bad news over two key players for the club.

Ten Hag spoke at his pre-Copenhagen press conference to clarify the injury situations over Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.

Neither player are expected back any time soon, and we may not see either player until 2024.

He said: “I have some time schedules but it’s always difficult to predict that because there can be setbacks during a rehab period.

“I’m always holding back a little bit on such issues. I expect some players back [soon] but Casemiro and Martinez are really strong injuries – I don’t expect them back before Christmas. It’s several weeks [out for Casemiro].”

Erik ten Hag on Antony

Ten Hag has also given his thoughts on Antony amid his struggles for form this season for Manchester United.

The Brazilian winger is uncertain to start against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night and the £86 million signing from Ajax will need to perform.

The winger has failed to score a goal in all competitions this season and hasn’t kicked on as much as fans were perhaps hoping after his inconsistent first year at Old Trafford.

But manager Erik ten Hag is still optimistic about the winger’s credentials.

Ten Hag on Antony

Erik ten Hag, who managed Antony at Ajax and Manchester United, has given his thoughts on the 23-year-old ahead of the game and the manager has, unsurprisingly, backed his man.

“I think he had a really good pre-season. He has to get himself back into form. Hard work, invest and it will come,” the former Ajax boss said.

The fact Ten Hag hasn’t mentioned his performances in the competitive season says a lot about the form that the Brazilian is currently in.

Antony scored four Premier League goals last season but has failed to register a goal in the league this season. There has not been a memorably positive performance, or moment, either.

Pellistri should be starting

Facundo Pellistri made a big impact coming off the bench against Fulham and the Uruguayan will be hoping that he can get a start in Denmark but Ten Hag might still stick with the Brazilian.

When Antony has been fit, he inevitably starts but the reality is the two right-wingers behind him, Pellistri and Amad Diallo, deserve a shot in the team if either of them are fit.

Ten Hag, however, will probably stick with Antony but whether that is the right decision remains to be seen. The Brazilian’s collapse in form has been highlighted as he was omitted from the national team squad.