Dan Burn has insisted Antony is a "world class" player, but the Manchester United star is facing renewed criticism following his side's dismal defeat to Newcastle.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by the Magpies on Sunday, being leapfrogged by Eddie Howe's men in the process. It was a desperately poor performance from United, who are still yet to beat a fellow top nine team away from home.
Antony started the game on the right wing, going up against Burn, who featured at left-back for the hosts. He was hauled off after 62 minutes, with Jadon Sancho coming on, having struggled to make an impact as United fell to a disappointing defeat.
The Brazilian completed just two of his five attempts at a dribble, failed to deliver an accurate cross and had only one shot on target. But Burn made it clear what a handful Antony is for defenders in the wake of their battle during the defeat.
"Tough players, obviously, world class players. Antony’s given us a few good games, very skillful," Burn told Sky Sports. "It was just having that extra emotion when I play at home, that comes out sometimes - maybe it goes a little bit too far."
While Burn highlighted the quality of United's attacking players, United boss Ten Hag delivered a stinging rebuke of his side. He was particularly critical of the Red Devils' attacking players, who mustered just one shot on target all game.
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"I hate to say it but they were better today – especially their determination, passion and desire. They wanted to win more so they won," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.
“We had our opportunities but then you have to go for goal with the determination they did. It wasn’t good enough. We allowed them too many chances. You have to be hungry and give everything every game.
"I think our attacking game was not good enough. I don't want to focus on one person because it had nothing to do with one person, it was about team performance and we didn't break them.
"In the first-half, we had a chance over the right side with Antony, but over the left side gave us almost nothing. That is the conclusion after this game. We didn't create many good chances, the biggest chance was for Anthony Martial, but it was not good enough."
Antony's substitution was part of a double change from United boss Ten Hag. But within three minutes of the Brazilian departing the pitch, Newcastle had gone ahead, with Joe Willock heading in from close-range.
Ten Hag made three further changes before the final whistle, but they failed to have the desired affect. And Newcastle wrapped up the three points when Callum Wilson headed in from Kieran Trippier's free-kick.
