Erik ten Hag praises attacking pair after win over Betis
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised attacking pair Antony and Bruno Fernandes following his side’s 4-1 win against Real Betis in the Europa League.
The Reds cruised to victory at Old Trafford, with the duo each getting on the scoresheet, alongside Marcus Rashford and Wout Weghorst.
Fernandes played the initial pass that fell to Rashford for the opening goal, before feeding the ball into Antony for our second of the night. The Portuguese midfielder also popped up at Claudio Bravo’s near post to nod home the third. Bruno has now collected eight goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.
Speaking in his press conference after the game, Ten Hag claimed that Fernandes was the “best player” for the Reds on Thursday night.
Erik's post-match press conference
Erik ten Hag speaks to journalists following United's comprehensive win over Real Betis at Old Trafford...
“I think he was the best player on the pitch, and that shows his personality," Erik explained.
"He played a little bit of a deeper role tonight, and I think he did brilliant. And he was the leader in making the game from the back, in possession, in making the rhythm of the game.
"A lot of good passes in between the lines. And from there we created a lot of chances.”
Ten Hag then turned his attention to United’s second goalscorer, Antony. The Brazilian winger also stood out for the Reds, continuing to be a threat on the right wing before scoring a sublime goal, making the game 2-1 at the time.
Taking the ball under control, he cut in from the right and curved it past Bravo with his left foot, into the far corner.
That goal means Antony has now scored in both of his last two appearances for United in the Europa League, having netted the decisive strike in the previous round against Barcelona.
Highlights: United v Real Betis
Watch two minutes of action from our Europa League first leg with Real Betis at Old Trafford...
His recent success in the competition may have led to Ten Hag being asked if our no.21 feels better suited to European football than the Premier League, during his first season at United.
“I don’t think that is all he can do [play in Europe]. Because he scored in his first three games in the Premier League.
"But in the first half, I think he could do better, to make more actions, to be more brave and be more behind and take players on, especially more movement with his speed.
"And I think his second-half performance was much better and he made a great goal, an important goal.”