Erik ten Hag insists Antony's passion is a strength after he was booked for a malicious foul in Manchester United's defeat at Brighton.
Antony was piqued he did not receive a free-kick in the 69th minute and seconds later he hacked down Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The Brazilian was immediately confronted by Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk and the pair were both booked. Antony was substituted in the 76th minute.
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"Yeah, but his passion is a strength," Ten Hag said. "Of course, until a certain level you have to control it. You need passion and desire to win your games and win battles in the game.
"It is very strong with him and he is very ambitious. Don't go over the top, stay focused on your game and what the game needs and if he does that he is a great player. I think his improvement is quite obvious and clear."
United remain fourth and four points clear of Liverpool in the Premier League table with a game in hand but Jurgen Klopp's side have won their last five league games while United's away form is so dire they have taken six points from a possible 33 against teams in the top 12.
Despite that startling stat, United have won at six of the bottom seven ahead of their trip to 15th-placed West Ham on Sunday. Ten Hag remains confident of securing Champions League qualification. "I just explained we had a quite good run, four wins and a draw from the last five (in the league).
"We have everything in our hands so we have to focus on our performance. I trust my players. I am quite confident about that.
"Manchester United need to be there in the Champions League. We want to be there because we want to challenge the best teams in the world so we do everything in our power to get that done.
"I think it is always vital that we have to be in the Champions League. It is a battle because many teams and clubs in the Premier League are competing for it and they have the power to fight for that as well. We want to be there and will do everything to get there."
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