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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Erik ten Hag must fix a big Manchester United flaw if summer target Antony is to thrive

Erik ten Hag has already been warned that he must address a Manchester United flaw if Antony is to thrive at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian is on United's radar with reports suggesting a move is edging ever closer. Ten Hag is a big fan of Antony having coached the 22-year-old at Ajax.

In total, Antony managed 12 goals and 10 assists in just 32 appearances for the Amsterdam club in the 2021/22 campaign. However, the forward is known for having a wild side to his game, as was noted during Ajax's 3-2 victory over Feyenoord.

ALSO READ: Dutch legend's shocking Antony prediction could be made to look even worse by Manchester United

Antony went from hero to zero when after scoring a late winner he was needlessly sent off for two bookable offences. Firstly, he was shown a yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebration before receiving his marching orders for time-wasting.

Former Netherlands international Rene van der Gijp claimed that his behaviour was 'idiotic' at full-time, while Wim Kieft explained how Ajax will need to keep him in check in future. He said (via the Mirror): "Such a boy cannot be calmed by a coach, in the end.

"Ten Hag will of course never say that Antony behaves like an idiot, but he thinks so. In general, this behaviour is addressed in the locker room, then someone says, 'Hey, what are you doing?'"

One notable reason for United's downfall last season was the dressing room's lack of leaders. On several occasions, United faltered and looked lost on the pitch without a leader to bring the team together.

Should Ten Hag fail to address this issue, a player like Antony may find his talents wasted.

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