Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Antony is becoming “impatient” due to his limited opportunities with the first team, as the winger currently sits as the fifth-choice option at Manchester United.
The Brazilian has seen just one minute of playing time this season, coming on as a late substitute in the loss to Brighton in August.
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Antony joined United from Ajax in 2022 for £85 million, making him the club’s second most expensive signing after Paul Pogba. Since his arrival, he has contributed 10 goals and five assists for the club.
So far this season, ten Hag has favored Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford as his primary wide players, while Alejandro Garnacho is gradually being reintegrated into the squad following a busy Copa America campaign with Argentina over the summer.
All three have found the back of the net this season, with ten Hag emphasizing that Antony must “earn the right” to play through his performances in training.
Despite the Brazilian’s frustration over his lack of chances, ten Hag could not promise him a place in the starting lineup for United’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Barnsley on Tuesday night.
‘That is professional football, that is top football,’ ten Hag said. ‘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.’
Garnacho joined Man United’s academy as a 16-year-old in 2020 while Amad arrived for an initial fee of £19m from Atalanta – showing his huge promise during an impressive spell on loan at Sunderland and in spells back at Old Trafford last campaign.
Both stand in Antony’s way with ten Hag telling Antony to give him a tough decision to make.
‘Two players developed from [when they were youngsters] into the team, into the selection. Now he [Antony] has to bounce back and he has the abilities to do it,’ ten Hag said.
‘If he is doing the right thing, he can make competition with them.
‘The other players are doing so well, they’re contributing. We have Amad, Garna – very effective. Rashford scoring at the weekend.
‘So he has to earn the right in training but the others are doing really well. He has to get over them. Of course he’s impatient. He wants to play and he’s fighting to play.’
