Antony sends Man United cryptic message after failing Erik ten Hag test ahead of Fenerbahce tie

Antony has posted a cryptic message on social media ahead of Manchester United's clash against Fenerbahce. Jose Mourinho will lock horns with Erik ten Hag in Istanbul on Thursday night as they both look to climb the Europa League table.

The Red Devils enjoyed a 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, meanwhile, the Turkish giants were held to a 2-2 draw by Samsunspor in the Süper Lig. Ten Hag will be determined to finally record his first win of the European campaign after sharing points with Porto and Twente.

As for Mourinho, he masterminded a win over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise before also being held to a draw by the Eredivisie outfit. Nevertheless, Antony will be hoping for an opportunity to impress when United face Fenerbahce, having struggled to force himself into the starting lineup.

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The 24-year-old winger, who joined the Red Devils from Ajax for £85m in August 2022, has featured just four times this season, with his only start coming in a 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round. Speaking to reporters after the game, and ahead of United's clash against Crystal Palace, Ten Hag put his foot down.

The Dutchman insisted that Antony must 'earn the right' to start in the Premier League, adding that the Brazil international is 'fighting for his position'. Without pulling any punches, Ten Hag said: "That is professional football, that is top football. Those are the laws.

"You pick the team that you think has the most chance to win a game. The players have to fight for their positions. You pick the eleven who have the best dynamic, the best chemistry.

"We are happy with that: two players [Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho] developed from the academy into the team, into the selection. Now he has to bounce back and he has the abilities to do it. If he is doing the right thing, he can compete with them."

The United boss added: "He is fighting for his position. That’s what we expect from every player in the squad at Manchester United, what they should do. The other players are doing so well. We have Amad, Garna – very effective.

"[Marcus] Rashford scored at the weekend [a 3-0 win at Southampton]. He has to get over them. We have training every day and the players have to earn the right. When the attitude is good and [they] show performance in training then they will play."

Since Ten Hag laid down the law, Antony has played just twice for United, with both appearances being cameos off the bench. This suggests that the Brazilian has ultimately failed to pass his head coach's test.

Ahead of what could be his second start for United this term, Antony has posted a cryptic message on his Instagram story. Translated from Portuguese, he wrote: "It is God who writes my story... All my life, all my days, every dream, every plan...

"I place it in God's hands. Because He is the Author and finisher of my Faith, He has the best in store for me, and for all those who trust in Him. You can write my Lord."

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