has hailed ’s recent performances with the winger ‘stepping up’ after his difficult start to the season.
The Brazil international who joined United in an £85million deal from in the summer of 2022 has endured a difficult second season at Old Trafford, still to register a single goal or assist this term.
The winger was given a leave of absence earlier in the campaign after allegations of assault in Brazil.
He has struggled for consistency since returning to the side but turned in a much-improved display in the 3-3 draw with Galatasaray last week.
He was also named in the starting XI against Chelsea on Wednesday alongside Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial dropped to the bench.
United sealed a . Ten Hag was also impressed with Antony’s contribution, singling him out for special praise.
‘I agree, I think he’s progressing,’ ten Hag said in his post-match press conference. ‘This is the attitude and what he needs.
‘It’s what he has to contribute to the team. He was very bright, he got very good positions on the ball, he also make very good decisions, he is stepping up and he has to build on this.’
Victory over Chelsea provided a much-needed lift for ten Hag during a difficult week for the club.
The Dutchman dismissed talk of a crisis at Old Trafford insisting an important step forward was taken with Wednesday’s win.
‘Crisis? Not for us,’ ten Hag said. ‘We keep calm, we look at the process, we know where we have to build and build on, so we go in right direction don’t get distracted by criticism from around us.
‘We are critical on ourselves, we are not quick to be satisfied, always want to do better.
‘We want to keep going in this process, with progress. The season is long, we have to improve a lot if we want to be successful, this team is capable of being successful.’
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