Antony’s anger at Erik ten Hag decision spotted as Man Utd star fumes during Arsenal defeat

Antony was spotted protesting against Erik ten Hag’s decision to move him to left-back in the final stages of the defeat to Arsenal (Image: TikTok/StrettyEnd)

During Manchester United’s loss to Arsenal, Antony was brought on as a late substitute; however, Erik ten Hag made him switch positions as the home team attempted to equalize.

After being ordered to play left-back during the closing minutes of the Manchester United loss to Arsenal, Antony and manager Erik ten Hag got into a heated argument once more.

In all competitions this season, the Brazilian has only managed to score three goals and provide two assists, failing to live up to his £86 million price tag. This season, he has played a smaller part; manager Ten Hag has only started him 15 times in the Premier League.

When Arsenal came to town on Sunday, Antony was once again listed as a reserve. Twenty minutes from the end, Ten Hag brought him on as United looked for an equalizer after Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal.

But with three minutes remaining, Ten Hag made the audacious decision to take another risk, this time switching up his lineup three times. Ten Hag had to reorganize his team after adding Christian Eriksen, Omari Forson, and Ethan Wheatley.

The United manager then switched Antony to a non-traditional left-back position. Video footage from the Old Trafford stands has surfaced, displaying Ten Hag signaling the Brazilian to switch from his wing to defense.

The Brazilian was obviously not happy about the change and only grudgingly made his way to his new spot after Scott McTominay approached him to get him moving. Eriksen and the Scot both urged him to relocate.

However, Antony was seen raising his arms and pointing at his head, seemingly disputing the move. The Brazilian was then seen talking to international teammate Gabriel Jesus while covering his mouth.

antony’s reaction to having to play left back again 🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/t7F3BhuDbA

— belles (@daloting) May 12, 2024

The Brazilian was still looking very angry, so McTominay felt compelled to give Antony one last scolding. Eventually, he adopted his new role and started marking Jesus, an attacker for Arsenal.

Earlier in March, during the FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Liverpool, Antony was asked to sub for left back. Ten Hag explained his decision to bring Antony back into defense by citing injuries.

“This team, for the most part, always plays with the proper attitude and follows the guidelines and game rules, which is how we want them to play. Even though they sometimes have to adjust to new positions because of the injuries,” the coach remarked.

“Therefore, I’m limited to happiness. And I believe it’s a credit to this team that the players who participated gave it their all, were fiercely competitive, and engaged in combat. You can then observe that you can obtain a result.

“A manager can always improve, but in my two years here, I have only managed to have a full squad of players once. A team cannot advance if it is lacking in any important areas; it would be equivalent to swimming with its hands behind its back.”