Speaking ahead of the Europa League quarter-final first leg 2022/23 against Sevilla, Erik ten Hag said he had shared about winger Antony’s form.
Antony has been erratic in his first season at Old Trafford, and despite showing great potential, has scored just three goals in 17 Premier League appearances. The 23-year-old, who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, has proved more effective in cup competitions, scoring twice to help United progress to the Europa League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals.
Some pundits questioned Antony’s ability, but Ten Hag defended the player, saying: “When you look at Antoy’s record, he may not score many goals in the league. But he’s scored in big games.”
“Antony scored against Real Betis, a really important goal after the first half. He also scored against Barcelona. You can’t say these aren’t big games. If you can do it in cup games, you can do it in the Premier League too. I’m not worried about this.”
“Like all players, he has to step up to prove himself in every tournament, but he is a fighter and a young player. Antony can kill opponents by his ability. He’s still improving, I believe Antony will get better and better.”
MU won the English League Cup, the Red Devils also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League. After the match against Sevilla, the Red Devils returned to the Premier League and traveled to the County Ground to face Nottingham Forest.