Manchester — Erik ten Hag praised Antony and Marcus Rashford’s lethal chemistry after Manchester United’s new acquisition scored on his debut and Rashford’s brace sent Arsenal to a 3-1 loss on Sunday.
The Brazil forward scored 35 minutes into his debut after his £82 million ($94 million) transfer from Ajax.
Some experts questioned United’s decision to spend so much money on the 22-year-old player.
But Ten Hag knows everything there is to know about Antony from their time together at Ajax, where the United manager worked prior to taking over the Premier League team this summer.
And Antony came, dazzling the Old Trafford fans with his skillful and brilliant performance.
He had an instant rapport with attacker Rashford, who assisted Antony’s clinical goal with a deft pass.
After Bukayo Saka’s equalizer, Marcus Rashford won the game for Manchester United with two well-executed goals to end the Premier League leaders’ undefeated start to the season.
“Both players performed admirably and were a constant threat. Ten Hag stated of Antony and Rashford, “I am aware that our offense is really potent, since they are inventive and quick.”
This is the first time they have performed together, and it’s wonderful to witness.
The opening ten minutes of the game were the best we’ve played all season.
United’s current four-game winning streak is their longest in the Premier League since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led them to five consecutive victories in 2021.
After his team’s humiliating losses to Brighton and Brentford to begin his tenure, this is just the kind of run Ten Hag needed to see from his squad.
Spirited Alliance
The 4-0 setback against Brentford was especially disheartening, but since then Ten Hag has had the answer he desired from his players in response to his appeal for them to have more hunger and spirit.
“We are pleased and pleased with the victory, as well as our effort against a really excellent team,” stated Ten Hag.
“This team’s spirit allows them to overcome setbacks. It is extremely impressive and reveals your mentality. We have made significant progress in this regard.
“We have the appropriate personalities; now we must work together. We must maintain composure and play our game with poise.”
Old Trafford was buzzing in the aftermath of another encouraging outcome that highlighted United’s 2-1 triumph against bitter rivals Liverpool was not by chance.
Ten Hag cautioned United not to become overconfident, as he was well aware of the flaws in a team that finished sixth last season.
The winning streak has propelled them to fifth position in the standings after they were at the bottom of the table following their loss to Brentford, but Ten Hag sees potential for growth.
“We should have done better, but we haven’t been together as long as Arsenal,” he remarked.
“When we obtain that, we will have greater game control. That is laborious. There is considerable space for improvement.
“We could improve pushing and organization. We have more control over the game.
“We can be even more dominant if we improve our composure with the ball while in possession.
“Since we have not been together for very long, we will work on it. It is clear that Arsenal are a more cohesive unit, but our team spirit leads to victory.”
AFP