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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Erik ten Hag gives verdict on Antony's Manchester United performance vs Nottingham Forest

Erik ten Hag was pleased with Antony's performance in Manchester United's 3-0 League Cup semi-final defeat of Nottingham Forest.

Ten Hag opined on Tuesday Antony "can do better" and urged the winger to be "more direct". Antony pre-empted Ten Hag's embargoed quotes by tweeting, "Seeking to evolve to give my best to the team!"

Antony's infield runs paid dividends when his volley was parried by Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and Wout Weghorst converted on the rebound to put United 2-0 up in the 45th minute.

Read more: United player ratings vs Forest

"I think he played a really good game," Ten Hag said of Antony. "I think he was a threat in between the lines, he was good in the physicality, he had some good actions to go at the opponent. He had to score (in a one-on-one) but it was a great combination.

"So we needed to see that more; more dynamic in the frontline, we are working on that part - that is the most difficult part. But I have seen some good moments today and in the last couple of games and I'm happy with that.

"The 2-0 just before half-time was an important one because that brought calmness to the team and it was a great action from Antony and the rebound from Wout Weghorst. He's the striker, it's why we got him in."

United host Championship side Reading in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday and Ten Hag is expected to heavily rotate ahead of the second leg with Forest at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Ten Hag indicated he had all but decided on his starting XI for the weekend. "After today, I have something in my head

"But I have to settle this game down and look into my plans and then I have to look into Reading and then we make a good plan to beat Reading."

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