Erik ten Hag: Antony must fight to get back into Man Utd team

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has told Antony he must raise his level and “earn the right to play”.

The £85 million winger appeared as an 89th-minute substitute in the 2-1 defeat by Brighton last month but has otherwise not got off the bench in United’s other four games.

Antony promised United fans this year would be “totally different” and they would see an improved player after a torrid second season at Old Trafford when he was plagued by poor form and off-pitch problems.

But the Brazilian has been a virtual outcast so far this term and Ten Hag has made it clear he wants to see more from the 24-year-old, who will hope for a first start of the campaign against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Asked why Antony had barely been involved, the United manager said: “We have training every day and the players have to earn the right to play. When players do the right things in training and the attitude is good and they show performance in training then they will earn the right to play.

“He is fighting, fighting for his position. That’s what we expect from every player in the squad at Manchester United, what they should do. Of course, he’s impatient. He wants to play and he’s fighting to play.”

Ten Hag said he had been more impressed with Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford and that it was down to Antony to prove he warrants a place ahead of those players.

Ten Hag: Players have to fight for their positions

Asked if Antony’s absence was reflection of the player being some way off where he needs him to be, Ten Hag added: “No, the other players are doing so well, they’re contributing.

“We have Amad, Garna – very effective. Rashford scoring at the weekend [in the 3-0 win over Southampton]. So he [Antony] has to earn the right in training but the others are doing really well. He has to get over them.

“That is professional football, that is top football. Those are the laws. You pick the team that you think has the most chance to win a game. The players have to fight for their positions. You pick the XI who have the best dynamic, the best chemistry. There are two and we are happy with that.

“Two players developed from the academy into the team, into the selection. Now he [Antony] has to bounce back and he has the abilities to do it. If he is doing the right thing, he can make competition with them.”

Last month, police in Brazil dropped their investigation into allegations Antony assaulted former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. Greater Manchester Police are thought to be still probing other assault claims by Cavallin against the player. Antony denies any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag said Luke Shaw was “progressing well” but refused to put a timescale on when the left-back would return from a calf injury that has kept him out of the start of the season.

“He is progressing well,” Ten Hag said. “Of course we have a plan in our head when he can be ready but you’re always dependent on how the progress will go and you can’t make a suggestion because there are so many factors [about] why the rehab plan can accelerate or slow down.”