Ten Hag explains why this £85m Manchester United star is yet to score or assist this season

The bulk of the Manchester United team seems to be struggling this season, but it seems Antony, has suffered the most.

The Brazilian joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 for a deal worth £85million.

Antony has failed to score or assist in 21 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season.

Antony netted four goals and laid on just two assists in the Premier League last season, which was also poor for his transfer value.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, believes Antony’s poor form is caused by his off-field problems this season.

Asked to explain Antony’s struggles in the Premier League, Ten Hag replied: “I can explain, it’s very simple. I think his off-field issues stops him playing.

“I don’t agree [that he has struggled in the Premier League], I think his first year was okay, and I think pre-season was very okay.

“First four games were very good. For instance, I’ve seen the game against Spurs back, he played a very good game over there.

“But from the moment he was out and then he came back, he didn’t deliver the performance we should expect from him and he can do so much better.

“If you mention Ajax, also I looked back there. His effectiveness, his end product was very high there, also in the Champions League, [it was] very high.

“So, I’m sure he’s capable of doing this by bringing key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing.

“His end product in Ajax was very high, he should return to those levels but of course the Premier League is more difficult. He’s capable of doing it.”

Probed further whether the off-field issues are still troubling Antony, Ten Hag added: “It has had an effect. It has had an impact on him, definitely.

“He has to deal with that, he caused them, so he has to sort them out. We will give him all the support but he has to do better.”