Man Utd head coach Erik ten Hag has defined why he opted to take Antony off at half-time throughout his facet’s 3-0 victory over FC Sheriff.
Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford netted both facet of half-time to put United in charge of their newest Europa League group tie.
After spurning a few possibilities, Cristiano Ronaldo lastly bought on the scoresheet with round ten minutes remaining. This was the 701st membership objective of his profession.
The sport ought to have been lifeless and buried by half-time however United didn’t take advantage of their alternatives.
When the rating was 0-0, Antony determined to showboat on the precise flank as he spun with the ball at his toes with nobody near him.
This assault got here to nothing although because the summer time signing then handed the ball straight out for a objective kick.
Antony was subsequently criticised by Paul Scholes and he was introduced off by Ten Hag earlier than the second-half.
United go into their last group sport subsequent week needing to beat Actual Sociedad by at the very least two objectives to high Group E.
Ten Hag acknowledged post-match that his gamers carried out “okay” and he’s “happy with the clear sheet”.
“It was OK. In fact, you hope you rating within the first half hour so it took a bit lengthy however we deserved that objective.
“The second half we scored two extra good objectives from open play and I’m happy with the clear sheet as a result of we gave nothing away. It was a centered win.
“Our occupation of house within the field may nonetheless be carried out higher, the second and third objectives we did that nicely. We occupied positions and scored.”
When requested if Antony was subbed off as a result of his showboating, Ten Hag answered: “No. It was roughly deliberate if we have been up. I wished to see Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo shut collectively and the dynamic on the precise facet.
“Garnacho performed nicely, he was good in his motion, in order that was good to see.
“Seeing Ronaldo get his objective was nice. He created, the crew created for him and we all know he has the potential to complete. He wanted a objective and now I’m assured there will probably be extra objectives.”
Rashford additionally spoke post-match and he thinks United’s gamers remained “calm” after they wanted to create extra possibilities.
“They set as much as defend nicely and play on the counter. It took us some time and bought the primary objective from a set piece so we’re proud of that. As soon as we went 1-0 forward, the house opened up and we may have gotten a number of extra,” Rashford stated.
“Not getting the primary objective rapidly results in a combination between frustration and tranquility, it’s a must to be calm to create possibilities and be medical in taking them.
“Scoring earlier than half-time was a giant assist, it allowed us to search for extra objectives and house and we discovered them. It was about getting the job carried out.”
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