‘Outstanding’ Antony praised by pundit as Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Brazilian winger’s performance

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United winger Antony played his part in Manchester United’s draw at Anfield against Liverpool.

Antony is still searching for his first Manchester United goal or assist of the season, with the Red Devils failing to score away at Liverpool once again.

But that wasn’t the story at Anfield on Sunday. Instead the big story was Manchester United keeping a clean sheet, at a stadium where the team conceded seven last season.

Antony’s performance from a defensive perspective has been praised, for helping the team to shut Liverpool out, and earn a 0-0 draw.

Antony praised

Antony was commended by former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, who told MUTV he was impressed with his work rate, and Alejandro Garnacho‘s too.

Bardsley said: “His attitude was outstanding defensively. With Garnacho they doubled up. Every man has to put a shift in, and them two today was outstanding.”

The numbers backed up Antony’s defensive work. He made more tackles than any player on the pitch, with four in total.

He made six ball recoveries, and one defensive clearance, while also winning one free-kick.

Going forward, Antony created one chance, and had one shot blocked. He can certainly contribute more, but this wasn’t the game to really judge him in that regard.

Erik ten Hag view on Antony

Erik ten Hag was asked about Antony in his post-game press conference and said he was impressed with the former Ajax star’s effort.

He explained: “He has a lot more [that he can give], but that [effort] is what you should do every game, and he has to prove that every game.

“But I think that goes for me, that goes for the whole team: we have to do it every game. We have a good squad, a good team, and we can make something out of this season.”

Ten Hag has retained faith in Antony amid a lot of criticism towards the Brazilian. Games like this show why. He gets a committed performance, with the winger’s defensive work impacting the entire team, and helped set a positive example for Garnacho to follow too.