Erik ten Hag Praises Antony’s Recent Performances for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has praised Antony’s recent performances, stating that the Manchester United winger has “stepped up” after a difficult start to the season.

Struggles and Criticism

Antony, the Brazil international who joined United from Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £85 million, has faced challenges in his second season at Old Trafford. He has yet to score a goal or provide an assist this term. Additionally, he took a leave of absence earlier in the campaign due to assault allegations in Brazil. Since returning to the side, he has struggled for consistency and faced criticism from former United players.

Improved Display and Special Praise

However, Antony showed signs of improvement in the recent 3-3 draw with Galatasaray. He was also named in the starting XI against Chelsea, alongside Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the bench. In the 2-1 win over Chelsea, Antony made a significant contribution, catching the attention of Ten Hag, who singled him out for special praise.

Ten Hag’s Comments and Outlook

In his post-match press conference, Ten Hag expressed his agreement with Antony’s progress and commended his attitude. He highlighted Antony’s brightness, positioning on the ball, and decision-making as key factors contributing to his improvement. Ten Hag emphasized the need for Antony to build on this performance.

Positive Result Amidst Challenges

The win against Chelsea provided a much-needed boost for Ten Hag and the club during a difficult week. Ten Hag dismissed talk of a crisis at Old Trafford, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the team’s progress and not getting distracted by external criticism. He acknowledged that there is room for improvement and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to be successful.

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