“Earn the right…” Erik ten Hag tells Manchester United star why he was dropped after goal

Erik ten Hag has explained why he has recently dropped Antony from his Manchester United teams following his goal against Barnsley.

After a tough start to the season, Manchester United seem to be picking up their form, having scored ten goals in their last two fixtures against Southampton and Barnsley.

The Southampton tie ended in a resounding 3-0 win before they faced Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, defeating the League One outfit 7-0. Five different players scored the ten goals.

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Against Barnsley, Brazilian winger Antony notched his first of the season, scoring a penalty in the first half after being gifted the ball by Marcus Rashford after the 24-year-old was fouled in the box.

After dispatching the penalty, Antony ran towards the corner flag, exploding with emotion and celebrating with his teammates, who were all very happy to see the winger get his first goal since April.

“I think every player should give those reactions,” Ten Hag told reporters on Thursday afternoon when asked about Antony.

“You have to train hard, you have to perform in training, you have to earn the right to play, and when the moment is your chance, you have to take them.”

Further, Ten Hag expanded that he only has 16 players who can play every game. In a message to Antony, the Dutchman explained that he must perform consistently to be part of this 16.

“But, yeah, the manager can only pick 11 players, and then I can only make five subs, so make sure you are with those 16 players for every game. And you do it by, on a consistent basis; perform.

“In training, and of course, that’s the most important, when the chance is there, you have to perform in a game. You have to contribute to a winning team.”

The Reds will next travel south to London, where United will face Crystal Palace in Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.

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