Erik ten Hag explains where Antony needs to improve

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has called on Antony to make better use of his teammates as he challenges the £85m winger to adapt and improve his game.

Having worked with the Brazilian at Ajax, Ten Hag was keen to continue that relationship in Manchester, seeing United agree an initial £80.75m deal that will rise with add-ons.

The total value of the deal puts Antony second, ahead of Harry Maguire and behind only Paul Pogba, in United’s all-time list of record transfers. But, still only 22, Antony is raw with potential that needs to be polished.

He made a strong start to his United career with goals in each of his first three Premier League appearances. But a subsequent injury and increasing competition from teenage starlet Alejandro Garnacho means Antony has only played 90 minutes twice in all competitions since October.

Saturday night’s FA Cup win over Reading gave him an assist, with Ten Hag well aware that this is still only the beginning and that the player has a much higher ceiling.

“We have to challenge him and if you challenge him he can adapt and adjust his game,” the United boss explained.

“He has to be more variable, more dynamic. He needs his teammates around him, but also how to use his teammates. He has to work on it. I think there is still room for improvement.”