Erik ten Hag throws his support behind Antony as he admits that ‘noise’ around the winger has contributed to his uneven form
Erik ten Hag has shed light on why Antony is struggling as the club’s second most expensive player has failed to score a goal or register an assist in 10 games this season.
United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup last night after a 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle.
Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall gave the visitors a 2-0 lead in the first half, while Joe Willock sealed the win for the Magpies in the second half.
When asked after the match whether former Ajax winger Antony is the player he thought he would sign, Ten Hag said: ‘That is also team, first, and the team does not play well if we do not bring him the balls and neither do I. ‘ responsible for that.
‘But of course there was also a lot of noise and that caused his level to drop. He can do better, but all players can do better.
The Brazilian international has had a difficult start to the season, scoring no goals or providing any assists
Ten Hag, who managed the winger at Ajax, said ‘noise’ around Antony is affecting him
“Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave and I am confident that he will deliver the performance that he is the right player for us.”
The 23-year-old was signed from Ajax for £86.3million but has so far failed to find his feet at Old Trafford.
His manager’s comments also come after the Brazil international missed five games earlier this season amid allegations of assault by an ex-girlfriend.
Gary Neville told Sky Sports that the situation was worrying for Ten Hag and stressed that even the club’s recent wins came despite poor performances.
“It’s worrying for him at the moment, losing games, but the performances are absolutely terrible,” Neville said.
“Even the ones they won in the last few weeks. Not good enough anywhere.
‘You knew that if any half-decent teams came to Old Trafford they would come back losing again.’
He also tweeted this morning on X: ‘Last night we saw the Theater of Dreams turn into the Theater of Nothing. Every United fan is bored and flat.
‘On the pitch the players are in shock, the performances are dismal and a manager is struggling before our eyes.
“We’ve seen it before, we know how it ends and we’ve had enough.”
