The future of Antony at Old Trafford is uncertain as United is open to accepting offers for him in the summer, even if doing so would result in a sizable loss on his £86 million summer 2022 deal from Ajax.
In Saturday’s loss to Fulham, Antony was once again benched as Ten Hag started teenager Omari Forson on the right wing for his full debut and summoned Amad Diallo off the bench ahead of his most costly acquisition.
Despite starting the 24-year-old player just once in the previous eight games, in the FA Cup fourth-round victory at Newport, it is understood that Ten Hag hasn’t written the player off just yet.
Ten Hag backs Anthony
Ten Hag has backed the Brazilian winger to come good again as the Red Devils play Nottingham Forest in the cup’s fifth round on Wednesday night at the City Ground.
”I backed him for a long time,’ said the United boss. ‘I know his abilities, great abilities. I know from the past he is unstoppable.
‘No defender can stop him because he’s one of the quickest in the first 10 yards. When he plays that game I’m sure he will perform.
‘He is resilient, he is a character and he will fight back. I back him. He now has to wait for his chance and once he is there he has to pick up.”, as reported by daily mail
Ten Hag defends his decision
The Dutch manager defended his choice to start Forson in the starting lineup after Marcus Rashford moved to center-forward to cover for the injured Rasmus Hojlund.
The 19-year-old had a quiet game until he was substituted in the second half, but Ten Hag’s defended his decision, citing his trust in youth, which has birthed revelations such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who are currently making waves in the squad.
“First of all, I brought Kobbie Mainoo and everyone is questioning,’ Now we are six weeks, the same people are saying he has to go in the England squad.”, added Ten Hag
