Erik ten Hag offers 'simple' explanation for Antony's Man Utd struggles
- Antony has failed to impress since his £82m move to Man Utd in 2022
- Former Ajax winger dazzled under Ten Hag in Eredivisie
- Off-field issues have also impacted Antony's time in England
By Tom Gott
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Antony's off-field issues have prevented him from showcasing his best form this season.
Antony, who joined from Ajax for £82m in 2022, started United's first four Premier League games this year before allegations of domestic violence against a former partner brought investigations from police in both Brazil and England.
United ultimately granted Antony a period of leave to address the situation and he returned three games later, but he has endured a miserable run of form ever since which still has him waiting for his first goal or assist this season after 21 appearances across all competitions.
Amid intense criticism from fans and rivals alike, Antony was offered some support by Ten Hag, who told Friday's press conference that the Brazil international is still carrying the weight of the off-field issues.
"I can explain, I think it's very simple," Ten Hag began. "His off-field issues stop him playing. First year was OK, the pre-season was very OK, first four games [this season] were 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."
Quizzed on Antony's performances under Ten Hag for Ajax, the boss conceded there must be an improvement from Antony as soon as possible.
"You mention Ajax, I look back there, his effectiveness, end product was higher and also Champions League...very high," he continued.
"He's capable of doing this - key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing - it's very high and he should return to that level but the Premier League is more difficult. He's capable of doing that.
"[Off-field issues] have had an effect, an impact on him, definitely, so he has to deal with that. He caused them, he has to sort them out but he has to do better."
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