Tensions Rise at Manchester United as Ten Hag and Antony Clash Over Performance and Positioning

Antony’s Struggles and Ten Hag’s Disappointment: Inside the Manchester United Dressing Room Drama

When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax, fans were excited. Erik ten Hag, who previously coached Antony at Ajax, believed the Brazilian winger would be essential to his plans at Old Trafford. Antony arrived with high expectations, showcasing his flair, skill, and the promise of enhancing United’s attack.

As the season unfolded, it became clear that the shift from the Eredivisie to the Premier League was more difficult than expected for Antony. Despite moments of brilliance, his inconsistency and struggle to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of English football raised concerns.

Laurie Whitwell from The Athletic reports that Erik ten Hag’s disappointment with Antony’s performance is evident. Tensions peaked during the FA Cup match against Liverpool, a high-stakes fixture.

Ten Hag made the surprising decision to have Antony play as a left-back, which Antony resisted, arguing with Ten Hag in front of his teammates. Antony, known for his attacking skills, believed playing out of position would reduce his effectiveness and highlight his weaknesses.

Ten Hag insisted on the tactical decision, emphasizing the need for players to follow instructions for the team’s benefit. The heated exchange ended with Ten Hag reprimanding Antony in the dressing room, asserting his authority and demanding compliance. This incident left a significant impact on the squad, showcasing the tension between player and manager.

Another key incident occurred during a Premier League match against Everton in March. Antony, coming off the bench, failed to meet Ten Hag’s expectations. After the 2-0 win, Ten Hag harshly criticized Antony in the dressing room for his lackluster performance.

Insiders reveal Ten Hag’s criticism was direct and severe, highlighting Antony’s failures in tracking back, poor decision-making, and lack of impact. The critique was so harsh that Antony appeared visibly affected, his confidence seemingly shattered. This public reprimand added to the narrative of a strained relationship between the two.

Ten Hag’s disappointment with Antony is significant. Having coached him at Ajax, Ten Hag hoped Antony would integrate seamlessly into United and replicate his previous form. However, the Premier League’s intensity and the high expectations at Manchester United have been significant hurdles.

Ten Hag’s frustration is due to Antony’s on-field performance and his perceived lack of adaptability and resilience. Ten Hag’s philosophy emphasizes discipline, tactical flexibility, and a relentless work ethic—qualities he feels Antony has yet to fully embrace.

Antony faces immense pressure to live up to his price tag and the expectations of wearing the Manchester United shirt. The transition from being a star in the Eredivisie to adjusting to the Premier League has been tough. Public criticisms and dressing room confrontations have further dented his confidence, making it challenging to regain his form and composure.

The future for Antony and Ten Hag is uncertain. Antony needs to regain his confidence and adapt to the Premier League’s demands. He must improve his tactical awareness, defensive contributions, and consistency to regain Ten Hag’s trust and secure his starting position.

Ten Hag must manage Antony’s situation delicately while maintaining team harmony and performance. Balancing strict discipline with support and understanding is crucial to help Antony through this challenging period.

As Manchester United pursues success, the Antony saga highlights the complexities of integrating new players into a high-pressure environment. The tensions between Ten Hag and Antony underscore the challenges both face in their roles. The football world watches to see if Antony can overcome his struggles and if Ten Hag can unlock his potential, ensuring Antony’s signing doesn’t become another tale of unfulfilled promise at Old Trafford.