Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United’s £86million winger Antony that he must earn the right to play.
The Brazil star has made just one appearance this season as an 89th-minute substitute at Brighton, and will be hoping to get his first start in the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Barnsley at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
‘Tomorrow you will see what the line-up will be,’ said Ten Hag, who has preferred Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho on the wings in the opening five games of the season.
‘We have training every day and the players have to earn the right to play. When players do the right thing in training and the attitude is good, and when they show performance in training then they will earn the right to play.’
Ten Hag won the Carabao Cup in his first season at Old Trafford and dismissed suggestions that new co-owners Ineos will have their sights set on greater prizes.
Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United winger Antony that he must earn the right to play
The Brazilian will be hoping to get his first start in the Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley
‘I wouldn’t say it’s insignificant,’ added the Dutchman. ‘The FA Cup and Carabao Cup, they’re significant. I see the attention from all the teams, all the owners, all the managers.
‘When they win the trophies like Liverpool last year, and I see all the teams battling for it, we want the same. In football, to win trophies it’s very important. You have five opportunities and our aim is to win all the games if possible.’