
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has sent a clear warning to Antony with his last-gasp substitution against Fulham in the Premier League.
The Red Devils went into the game on a five-match winning streak in all competitions and were fancied to secure another victory against the Cottagers at Old Trafford.
However, the visitors were the better team on the day with more chances created on goal. They eventually won the game through Alex Iwobi in the 97th minute.
Speaking after the 2-1 defeat, Ten Hag was asked different questions. One of those was based on Antony, who replaced Victor Lindelof with seconds left on the clock.
When pressed on the last-gasp substitution, the manager said that it was nothing to do with fitness and added that Antony has to step up, considering his form earlier this season.
The Dutchman explained that he has been monitoring the Brazilian in training, but Forson, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho deserve to play ahead of him.
He said (via Metro): “It was nothing to do with fitness. He is fit but we have many options on the right side where we lack in other positions due to injuries.”
“The form in Antony we all have seen and he has to step up. I see it in training but also other Omari and Amad Diallo and Garnacho deserve to play.”
Antony handed clear warning by Ten Hag
The 24-year-old joined the Red Devils from Ajax last season and he was almost an undisputed starter on the right wing when fit and available to play.
His inconsistent performances on the field led to questions over Ten Hag’s favouritism of the winger.
We saw something similar earlier this campaign, but the manager has now acknowledged that there are players who deserve to start in front of Antony.
Alejandro Garnacho has made the right wing position his own in recent weeks. He has formed a brilliant partnership with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.
Many fans predicted that Antony would start after Hojlund’s injury, but Ten Hag surprised everyone by handing a maiden start to Forson on the right wing.
Amad Diallo also got the nod ahead of Antony in the 80th minute. This is a clear warning to the Brazilian that he needs to step up or he could be sidelined on the bench.
It is left to be seen how the €35 million-rated star responds in the coming games. If he can’t turnaround his fortunes, the club could contemplate selling him this summer.
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