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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Erik ten Hag explains why Antony isn't in Manchester United squad vs Bournemouth

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were expected to start for Manchester United after the World Cup.

United comfortably defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 on their return to Premier League action last week and that dominant victory was followed by a 1-0 win against Wolves on New Year's Eve, which was sealed thanks to Marcus Rashford's goal.

Ten Hag's side now has the challenge of extending their five-game undefeated record with a win versus strugglers Bournemouth, who have lost all three of their matches without scoring a single goal since the end of the World Cup in Qatar.

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The Dutchman will be desperate for United to maintain their momentum, but he made multiple changes from the team that started at Molineux against Wolves, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof starting in the centre of defence, surprisingly.

Casemiro, Van de Beek and Christian Eriksen have also started in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes appearing to start on the right.

Antony started down the right side on New Year's Eve but the Brazilian is absent from the matchday squad to play Bournemouth and Ten Hag was asked for an update on the 22-year-old ahead of kick-off, whilst he also explained his team selection.

"It's not about tonight, they are the two [Maguire and Lindelof] we expected to start in the restart [after World Cup], but they both became ill and they were out. Now they have recovered, they are back in the team," Ten Hag told MUTV.

"It's a reward, I think he [Martinez] deserves it [a warm reception], it was a great performance from the Argetines at the World Cup. It showed when you act as a team, play proactive football and when you have a winning attitude [you can succeed]."

Ten Hag was asked about Antony and he added: "He is injured."

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