Erik ten Hag sends stern message to Manchester United fringe players

Erik ten Hag has sent a stern message to Antony and other fringe players with a warning they must ‘earn the right’ to start for Manchester United.

The Brazilian has been pushed aside since the end of the last season, missing out on a place in the line-up for the FA Cup final win over Man City. He has continued to be overlooked on the right flank this term with Amad Diallo being the preferred option.

This is the second most expensive signing in United’s history at £86m, behind club record signing Paul Pogba, who disappointed despite costing the club a whopping £89m.

Antony, like Pogba before him, has underwhelming since joining United.

This season he has been given just one minute of action and he will be hopeful that changes tomorrow night when the Reds host Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round.

But Ten Hag has warned Antony to prove himself worthy of a starting berth.

“Tomorrow you will see what the line-up will be,” said Ten Hag, when asked about Antony’s predicament, as per The Mirror.

“We have training every day and the players have to earn the right. When the attitude is good and show performances in training, then they will play.”

When Ten Hag sent a similar warning to Jadon Sancho last year, the winger reacted appallingly, so this is also a test of character for Antony. It warrants the right response which would be taking his opportunity when its given.

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