Following Manchester United’s 4-2 triumph over Newport County, manager Erik ten Hag expressed dissatisfaction with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony’s performances.
Despite initially securing a comfortable two-goal lead through Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils faced challenges in sealing the victory against the League Two side.
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United had clear chances to put the game beyond reach, with Garnacho hitting the crossbar instead of passing to Rasmus Hojlund and Fernandes, and Antony’s close-range effort being blocked.
Ten Hag noted that the momentum of the game shifted after Newport’s first goal but emphasized that if Garnacho and Antony had converted their opportunities, Newport wouldn’t have had a chance to stage a comeback.
‘The first 35 mins we were very comfortable leading,’ said Ten Hag.
‘Leading 2-0 but it should have been 3-0 or 4-0. They [Newport] created no chance then out of nothing – there was also a foul – they score.
‘Straight after half-time we make a mistake during defensive transition – not great. Then you have to start again to win this game but then we did, boys well done.
‘We controlled the game but then maybe we went a bit slower but then we had chances for 3-0 with Garnacho the crossbar with two players across the goal and then Antony had some chances. They [Newport] had nothing, but then they score a goal.’
Throughout the game, Hojlund experienced frustration with Garnacho and Antony.
Although the Dane managed to score his eighth goal of the season in the dying moments, his celebration in front of the traveling fans reflected more anger than joy.
