Erik ten Hag will absolutely love what Man Utd star said about next season, his unwavering faith could finally pay off

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Erik ten Hag has received a clear-cut message from one underperforming Manchester United star over what to expect from him in the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The 54-year-old Dutchman has switched his full focus to the Community Shield on Saturday, with Manchester United set to face Manchester City at Wembley.

Saturday’s Community Shield clash will be United’s final match ahead of the new Premier League season.

The Red Devils will face Fulham in their Premier League opener on 16th August at Old Trafford, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.

Erik ten Hag extended his contract with United this summer and will be keen to improve on last season’s disappointing performances.

The former Ajax boss led United to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, but Ten Hag also added the FA Cup trophy to his silverware haul in May.

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Ten Hag sent clear message from Man Utd star

Antony endured a disappointing campaign at Manchester United, with the 24-year-old Brazilian winger struggling for form over the course of last season.

The United star only managed to score three times and picked up two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 season.

Antony made 15 Premier League starts in 29 appearances and only found the back of the net once in the league for United.

The Brazil international previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax before he was reunited with the Dutchman at Old Trafford in 2022.

United dropped a whopping initial fee of £82m to sign Antony from Ajax, with a further £4.3m agreed in add-ons.

Antony has now sent Ten Hag and United fans a clear message that his name will be heard more when it comes to assists and scoring next season.

“New season, new mindset, I’m a lot more focussed and prepared to achieve great things,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“I know that this season will be totally different. I feel a lot less burdened and more prepared as well – a lot freer to do what I genuinely know how to do.

“I definitely need more goal participations and to score more goals, it’s something I demand from myself. Rest assured you’ll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists.”

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Antony’s connection with Ten Hag

Antony faces an uphill battle in securing regular first-team minutes next season, despite Ten Hag keeping faith with the former Ajax star.

Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho are both vying for a place out on the right flank, with Jadon Sancho even reintroduced into the fold at Old Trafford.

Despite the uncertainty around his place in the starting XI at United, Antony has spoken highly of his relationship with United manager Ten Hag.

“I have tremendous affection for the coach, as he well knows, and he has a lot of affection for me,” he said.

“Whenever we talk, he always mentions my roots in the favela, because he knows – not everything – but a bit about what I’ve been through and overcome.

“I am really grateful to him. He’s a great coach and he knows he can rely upon me.”