Underfire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was full of praise for Marcus Rashford as the Englishman opted to hand penalty-taking duties to teammate Antony in United’s 7-0 victory over Barnsley.
Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Christian Eriksen each scored braces, while Antony netted his first goal since April from the penalty spot as United breezed their way into the Carabao Cup fourth round.
First start of the 2024/25 season for Antony
The Brazilian winger has faced heavy scrutiny since his arrival at Old Trafford. Signed for €95m back in 2022, Antony has failed to live up to the price tag, scoring just 12 goals in his 84 appearances. Heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, the player opted to stay and fight for his place.
Having seen just one minute of action so far this season, Ten Hag appeared to fire a warning shot to the Brazilian, as reported by BBC, stating ahead of Tuesday’s match, “Players have to earn the right to play”. Despite this, Antony was awarded his first start of the season with the winger repaying his manager’s faith.
Erik ten Hag explained why Marcus Rashford allowed Antony to take the penalty
Erik ten Hag praised Antony’s performance against Barnsley, but he was even more pleased with Marcus Rashford’s decision to let the Brazilian take the first-half penalty, after Casemiro’s suggestion. The 54-year-old Manchester United boss also explained the reasoning behind this decision:
“They are very ambitious, very hungry,” Ten Hag said after the win. “But they also give each other the ball, they want to give assists and give each other the opportunity to score a goal like with the penalty. Antony needs some confidence then Rashy gives the pen to Antony which is good for the team when they are together.”
The €25m-rated Brazilian winger’s all-round performance justified his inclusion and Ten Hag intimated he “will not hesitate” to consider him for the Crystal Palace game at the weekend, if his services are required again.
“You have seen. He fought for his place.” Ten Hag added post-match. “First of all, he earned it [in] training, and, today, on the pitch, he showed he is with us and he wants to fight for his place. He had some good actions. He showed he can deal with this, with the pressure, and I think that’s a good sign.”
United will discover their fourth-round opponents on Wednesday, September 25. Before then, the Red Devils travel to Crystal Palace in pursuit of a third-straight win in all competitions.
