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Man Utd star branded an 'idiot' and risks suspension as Erik ten Hag ordered to intervene
Manchester United have been warned that one of their players could miss the run-in without Erik ten Hag's intervention.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reviews the West Ham game
Manchester United star Antony has been called “a bit of an idiot” by former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor and warned that he faces red cards and suspensions in the future if Erik ten Hag fails to intervene. The Brazilian has had a mixed first season at Old Trafford following his big-money summer move from Ajax, with moments of genius combined with frustrations from the winger.
Antony started each of United’s last two games, 1-0 defeats away to Brighton and West Ham, but was substituted off in both losses. He was caught up in a fiery incident on the south coast against Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit, having felt aggrieved that he was not awarded a foul, Antony then retaliated and clipped Alexis Mac Allister.
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk then clashed with Antony in a physical altercation that saw both players shown a yellow card, though many felt that the Brazil international perhaps will feel lucky to have escaped further punishment.
Agbonlahor has urged Ten Hag to have a conversation with Antony over his actions, or risk his winger being handed red cards and suspensions in the future. “I think he’s a bit of an idiot, to be honest,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
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“There was no need for that tackle on Mac Allister, and then he’s trying to go chest to chest with a giant in Lewis Dunk. He’d have destroyed him. Is Antony frustrated with his own performance, and that’s why he’s lashing out?
“He can’t take a player on, he can’t beat a man, he can’t get a shot on goal. He’s got to be frustrated with his own performances this season. Ten Hag has got to speak to him about it. He’s got to calm down or he’ll get red cards. He’s got to try and become the £86million player he was brought in to be.”
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Following the game, Ten Hag did praise Antony’s passion but urged him to exercise it with caution in the future. "I think he is special,” Ten Hag said. “It [his passion] is his strength. Of course, there's a certain level, you have to control it.
"You need passion, desire to win your games and to win medals, and I think he is very strong-willed. He's very ambitious. As I say, don't go over the top. Stay focused on your game, and what the team needs and doing that he is a great player. His improvement is quite obvious."
Ten Hag clearly was not that upset with Antony considering his comments and continuing to start the 23-year-old, though he will have a close relationship with the player having also coached him at Ajax before the pair moved to Old Trafford last summer.