MANCHESTER, England — Antony has to “earn the right” to win back his place in the Manchester United team, according to manager Erik ten Hag.
The Brazil international is the second most expensive transfer in United’s history after arriving from Ajax in an £82 million ($108.2m) deal in 2022.
But he has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and played just one minute of Premier League football this season.
Ten Hag could make changes to his team for the Carabao Cup third-round tie against League One side Barnsley on Tuesday.
However, the Dutchman insisted that Antony won’t play unless he deserves it.
“We will see what the lineup [against Barnsley] will be,” Ten Hag said when asked whether Antony could be handed his first start of the season.
“We have training every day and the players have to earn the right. When the attitude is good and they show performances in training then they will play.”
Ten Hag will have defenders Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui available despite the trio being forced off in the second half of the 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
Luke Shaw remains sidelined because of a calf problem and the United manager is refusing to put a timeframe on the full-back’s return.
“He is progressing well,” Ten Hag said.
“Of course we have a plan in our head when he can be ready but you’re always dependent on how the progress will go and you can’t make a suggestion because there are so many factors. A plan can accelerate or slow down.”
Ten Hag lifted the Carabao Cup in his first year at United and followed it up by winning the FA Cup last season.
He’s facing a tough trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday, but added he will take the game against Barnsley seriously as he looks to add the third trophy of his reign.
“The FA Cup, the Carabao Cup; they’re significant,” he said.
“I see the attention from all the teams, all the owners, all the managers, when they win the trophies. Like Liverpool last year. I see all the teams battling for it and we want the same.”