has defended the ‘passion and desire’ of and says his ‘improvement is quite obvious and clear’ in a shirt.
The winger has been a bit of a mixed bag since arriving from over the summer for an enormous initial figure of around £82m.
The Brazilian has scored eight goals in all competitions, some very memorable strikes, but has had quiet and frustrating games as he learns to adapt to the Premier League.
He has also shown a fiery side which threatens to get him into trouble, somewhat fortunate to avoid a red card against Brighton on Thursday night as he lashed out at an opponent.
Ten Hag has defended his character, though, saying that as long as he maintains focus then it is a positive.
‘He’s special, it’s a strength,’ said the United boss after the 1-0 loss at Brighton. ‘Of course there’s a certain level, you have to control it, but you need passion and desire to win your games, win battles in the game.
‘I think it’s very strong with him, he’s very ambitious. As I say, don’t go over the top, stay focused on your game and what the game needs. If he does that he’s a great player.
‘I think his performance and improvement is quite obvious and clear.’
Antony has only scored one Premier League goal in 2023 so his place may soon be under threat from the returning Alejandro Garnacho, who Ten Hag says could be in contention when the Red Devils go to West Ham on Sunday after recovering from an ankle injury.
‘I think it will be the same squad and maybe one player, Garnacho, I’ll have to see,’ said Ten Hag of injury updates ahead of the weekend. ‘Maybe he can be involved, but we have to see how the progress is going.’
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