Erik ten Hag has admitted that Manchester United winger Antony ‘has to do better’ after a disappointing spell with the club.
Antony signed for the Red Devils from Ajax in a deal worth up to £87m in 2022, but has failed to justify that fee during an underwhelming time at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag previously worked with the Brazilian at Ajax, though he has been unable to coax consistent form from the 23-year-old, who is without a Premier League goal or assist this season
Off-field issues, that saw allegations of assault made by a former girlfriend in an interview with a Brazilian media, have also contributed to his poor form.
Ten Hag has opened up on Antony’s struggles and believes the winger is capable of showing much more.
“I can explain, I think it’s very simple. His off-field issues stop him playing,” Ten Hag said at his pre-match press ahead of facing Spurs in the Premier League.
“First year was okay, the pre-season was very okay, first four games was very good, I’ve seen the game against Spurs back and he played a very good game, but from the moment he was out and then he came back and didn’t deliver the performance you should expect from him and he can do so much better.
“You mention Ajax, I look back there at his effectiveness, his end product was higher and also in the Champions League very high.
“He’s capable of doing it, key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing, it’s very high and should return to that level but the Premier League is more difficult and he’s capable of doing that.
“They [off-field issues] have had an impact on him definitely, so he has to deal with that, we will give him all the support but he has to do better.”
