Erik ten Hag has launched at the defence of Antony, saying that the team are better with him being in it.
The Man United wide player has come under intense scrutiny within sections of the media and fans online, however, if you analyse the role that Antony plays within this United team, then you will recognise his importance because his ability to stay on the right hand side of the attack is invaluable because it allows United to make the pitch bigger.
In recent weeks his defensive work has improved and he has scored four goals for United in all competitions, including three in the Premier League and the United manager says that the former Ajax man’c contributions to the team, helps his team-mates perform successfully.
“When he’s playing, the team is winning. That already gives a message of how well he is performing,” said Ten Hag, at his press conference previewing the Forest tie.
“He can do better, I see space for improvement. For instance, and I think also you know this, we want him to be more direct and be more involved. But, as I said, the team is performing better if he is on the pitch.
“That’s a good thing, that’s a good base to build further. I think he has already made an improvement. In his first three [league] games, he scored three goals. Now he was scoring against Everton, he was scoring against Charlton, so also that fact, he has an impact. But I think with his capabilities, with his talents, he can do even more. But as I said, I think he has [made] a good contribution in the team” [via Man Utd].
It is time for the media and certain fans online to get off his back and give him time to flourish, because ten Hag would not been that desperate to sign him, had he known well he could contribute to Man United.
Next up for United is a Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest tonight at the City Ground. The game between the two sides will kick off at 8pm UK time, and for those in the UK, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports.