05 May 2023 , 23:02
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Erik ten Hag has urged Antony to keep his emotions in check after an unsavoury incident during Thursday's game against Brighton.
The Manchester United winger furiously nudged into Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk during the Premier League fixture at the Amex, which finished 1-0 to the hosts. It was a result that leaves United's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in the balance.
Antony has endured an indifferent campaign since his £88million move from Ajax to United last summer. Ten Hag, who coached the Brazilian at Ajax, has praised Antony's "passion and desire" but wants him to ensure he uses those qualities in the correct manner.
Ten Hag told reporters on Friday: "Passion is a strength. Of course, until a certain level you have to control it. You need passion and desire to win your battles in the game.
"It is very strong with him and he is very ambitious. Don't go over the top: stay focused on your game and what the game needs. If he does that, he is a great player. I think his improvement is quite obvious and clear."
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The incident unfolded during the second half of Thursday's game, which was goalless at the time. Antony triggered a reaction from Dunk after a late challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. The Brighton captain sprinted over to his opponent to make his feelings known.
Antony clashed with Lewis Dunk on Thursday (Getty Images)What do you make of Antony's first season at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below!
Dunk and Antony then nudged into each other, with the latter repeating the act half-a-second later. That led to several players from both teams getting involved in the row, which ended with Antony and Dunk both receiving a booking from referee Andre Marriner.
Antony has shown glimpses of his quality since his transfer from Ajax, such as the winner he scored against Barcelona in the Europa League. Yet a lot more is expected of the 23-year-old, who has just four goals and one assist to his name in the Premier League.
Ten Hag will need Antony to have a strong end to the season if his team are to be successful. United are fourth in the Premier League table, four points ahead of Liverpool in fifth with a game in hand. The Red Devils travel to West Ham on Sunday.
United are also aiming to win the FA Cup, as they face Manchester City in the final at Wembley on June 3. Ten Hag's side have already won one trophy this season by beating Newcastle 2-0 in February's Carabao Cup final.
United have already beaten West Ham twice this season in the Premier League and FA Cup, but they are yet to play the Hammers at the London Stadium under Ten Hag. On facing West Ham boss David Moyes, Ten Hag said: "It is an experience.
"He is a fantastic manager, so long in the Premier League already. I am looking forward to it. We've faced them twice already this season, and it’s going to be another great game. Every game is a battle and a challenge so we have to be ready."