Ten Hag backs Antony to rediscover form

In the manager's traditional pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday, journalists noted that the player is yet to register a goal or assist in the top flight this term.

Asked to explain why the 23-year-old is still searching for some form, Ten Hag said there had been positive periods for Antony since his arrival from Ajax in 2022, proving that he can excel in England.

“I think his first year [in the Premier League] was okay, and I think pre-season was okay,” said Erik.

“First four games [this season] were very good. For instance, I've seen the [away] game against Spurs back... he played a very good game there.

“But from the moment he was out [in September, due to off-field issues] and then he came back, he didn't deliver the performance we should expect from him and he can do so much better.”

Ten Hag then revealed that he had reanalysed some of the forward's Ajax performances, and noted that Antony's showings in the Champions League proved that the Premier League's high level is not the main obstacle.

“If you mention Ajax, also I looked back there,” he continued. “His effectiveness, his end product was very high there. Also in the Champions League, [it was] very high.

“So, I'm sure he's capable of doing this by bringing key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing. His end product in Ajax was very high; he should return to those levels. But of course the Premier League is more difficult. He's capable of doing it.”

The manager concluded by reiterating that the player would be given support to return to the proficiency he showed last season, when he scored eight times in 44 appearances.