Erik ten Hag explains decision to snub Amad in favour of Man Utd flop Antony
Antony was thrown into the action ahead of fellow winger Amad as Manchester United claimed a third draw in as many Europa League games in their game away to Fenerbahce
by Tom Victor · The MirrorManchester United manager Erik ten Hag indicated Antony's performances in training were the reason the Brazilian came on ahead of fellow winger Amad against Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Amad has impressed in flashes this season, but was left on the bench for the trip to Turkey. Ten Hag made the unexpected decision to start full-back Noussair Mazraoui in an advanced role against Jose Mourinho's side as he aimed to deal with the suspension of Bruno Fernandes, and United shook off the absence of their captain to lead at half-time.
After Youssef En-Nesyri equalised early in the second half, though, Ten Hag made some tweaks. First came the introduction of Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro in a double change, but then it was time to make a chance out wide.
Marcus Rashford made way 17 minutes from time, but it was Antony rather than Amad who took his place. Speaking after the match, which ended all-square, United's manager explained his decision.
"Amad, he is doing well, but I must also reward the performances of Antony in training," Ten Hag said. "He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right thing to do was bring him on to decide the game."
Ultimately, though, the Brazilian didn't have much of a chance to add to the one goal he has scored this season. He was injured barely 10 minutes after entering the fray, with Amad taking his place for a late cameo.
Antony was spotted leaving the stadium on crutches, with some fearing a lengthy absence for the ex-Ajax man. It was an additional blow for Ten Hag's team after they could only come away with a draw, leaving them 21st of 36 teams in the Europa League standings.
Should Amad have come on before Antony? Have your say in the comments section
“We should have won this game but, in the end, we know that it’s a tough atmosphere here, so we take a point," Ten Hag said after the draw. "So from two tough away games [against Fenerbahce and Porto], we take two points and now we have two games at Old Trafford [in the Europa League]. We have to win if we want to progress in Europe.”
When asked about Antony, he told MUTV: “It's really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.
"His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on. When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see. Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”
Next up for United is a Premier League trip to West Ham on Sunday. Fernandes will be available again following his European suspension, while updates are expected on a number of players who have missed recent matches through injury.
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