Manchester United star Antony has revealed his teammates have warned to expect a baptism of fire when the club visit Everton on Sunday.
Goodison Park has been far from a happy hunting ground for United in recent years and with Frank Lampard’s new-look team rediscovering form, Erik ten Hag’s side face a stern test of their credentials tomorrow.
A four-match winning run in the Premier League came to an end for the new-look Red Devils as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden each scored hat-tricks in the Manchester derby.
However, the 6-3 scoreline flattered United given the one-sided nature of an afternoon that Ten Hag’s side followed up with an unimpressive 3-2 win at Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Dutchman said that win in Cyprus had to only be the ‘warm-up’ as Sunday’s game against Everton is where they have to ‘react’ – a mindset echoed by Antony.
‘We know it’s going to be a difficult, tough game,’ the Brazil forward said. ‘My team-mates have already spoken to me about this fixture.
‘They said it will be difficult. We have to impose our game, show our strength. ‘We shouldn’t get worked up and let our heads go down because of one game, one result.
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‘Sadly, we lost the last (league) game but, when you think about it, we’ve beaten Liverpool and the league leaders Arsenal.
‘Our season can’t be summarised by just one game. We’re now focused on the match against Everton and, God willing, we will get the three points.’
Everton are currently unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and welcome United buoyed by win in back-to-back Premier League matches.
Ten Hag’s team stayed in Cyprus an extra day to prepare for Sunday’s Goodison Park clash, when Antony will attempt to score in a third successive Premier League game.
‘I’ve always worked very hard and the results are a consequence of this,’ the big-money summer signing told Premier League Productions.
‘I’ll always give 100 per cent, regardless of whether I score or not. ‘It was nice to score another goal (at City) though, unfortunately, we lost the game. I was training that shot the day before the game.
‘I hit about 10 to 15 balls and, thankfully, I was able to score the goal. Now it’s time to prepare and train more, correct mistakes, move in the right direction and achieve great things.’
