Erik ten Hag defends "unstoppable" Man Utd flop as Ratcliffe considers selling

27 February 2024 , 12:58

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Antony continues to struggle at Man Utd (Image: Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag has defended Antony and backed the out-of-favour winger to prove his worth at Manchester United.

Antony has not started a Premier League game this year, his only start coming in a 4-2 FA Cup win at League Two Newport County. The £85million signing from Ajax only came on for the final minute of United's 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday, with Ten Hag selecting 19-year-old winger Omari Forson ahead of him to start.

Scott McTominay and Amad Diallo were both selected to come off the bench ahead of Antony, who has failed to justify his exorbitant fee since joining the club.

Despite his current predicament, Ten Hag said he still has faith in Antony and said the 24-year-old is "unstoppable" when he is at his best.

"With Antony, I backed him for a long time," said Ten Hag. "I know his abilities, great abilities, I know from the past he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he's one of the quickest in the first 10 yards.

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"When he plays that game I'm sure he will perform. He's resilient, he's a character and he will fight back. I back him and he now has to wait for his chance and, once he is there, he has to pick up."

Defending his decision to hand Forson his first full league start, Ten Hag said his judgment had been vindicated with other young players, in particular Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Erik ten Hag has defended Antony despite his poor form (AFP via Getty Images)

"First of all, I brought Kobbie Mainoo [into the team] and everyone was questioning that," said Ten Hag. "Now we are six weeks on, the same people who were questioning are saying he has to go into the England squad. With Garnacho it was 'what is the manager doing? What is the staff doing?' so similar. They need time.

"Omari started, it's not easy, we didn't play our best game, but he played a reasonable game, he showed abilities that he can be a player for the future.

"They need some time, but they also have to know you don't get time, you have to perform when you come in. They need the time and, as manager, I will give them the time, because I believe in these players."

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David McDonnell