Ten Hag on Antony: Winger Must Earn His Spot at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has emphasized that Brazil winger Antony needs to “earn the right” to play for the club. Antony, signed from Ajax for £82m in 2022, is United’s second-most expensive player after Paul Pogba.

Despite his hefty price tag, Antony has struggled to make an impact. In 55 Premier League appearances, he only scored five goals and provided three assists. Last season, he managed just one goal and one assist, as United finished in eighth place.

This season, the 24-year-old has seen even less action. He has only played one minute of competitive football, coming on as a substitute against Brighton last month. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad Diallo have been preferred over him.

Ten Hag has made it clear that Antony’s future playing time depends on his efforts. The winger hopes to feature in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Barnsley, but the manager has laid out the challenge.

“He’s impatient,” Ten Hag admitted. “He wants to play. But in top football, there are rules. You select the team that gives the best chance to win, with the right dynamic and chemistry. Players must fight for their positions.”

With Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad all finding the net this season, the pressure on Antony has increased. The winger was even linked with a move to Turkish club Fenerbahce before the transfer window closed.

“The other players are performing well, contributing to the team,” Ten Hag added. “Antony has to surpass them. He must earn his place through training.”

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match at Old Trafford, Ten Hag kept his plans under wraps but reiterated his expectations. “You will see the line-up,” he said. “Every day in training, players must earn their right to play.”

The United boss stressed that good performances and the right attitude in training are crucial. “When players do the right things in training, with a positive attitude, and show their abilities, they earn the right to be on the pitch,” he concluded.