Erik ten Hag backs Antony to overcome difficult period

The 23-year-old had a relatively productive first season at Old Trafford, scoring eight times and registering three assists in 44 appearances for the club following his move from Ajax in 2022.

Antony has not provided a goal or an assist in 11 outings at club level this term, though, and there is currently speculation surrounding his future with the Red Devils.

The Brazil international has been linked with a loan move to Flamengo, although his agent has allegedly rubbished such claims, with a mid-season departure thought to be highly unlikely.

Ten Hag recently admitted that Antony's off-the-field issues have caused him to struggle this season.

The forward's ex-girlfriend and at least one other woman have accused him of assault, which led to him being given a leave of absence by Man United in September.

The investigations are ongoing, with police in both England and Brazil dealing with the matter, and Antony is believed to be fully co-operating in a bid to clear his name.

The Brazilian missed five matches while on leave, and Ten Hag has said that the "break" had an impact on his form, but the head coach is confident that the forward will be able to overcome the tough period.

"Last week I make that remark on him, so he was out for a couple of weeks and that broke the rhythm. I think he had a very good pre-season when he scored I think twice in the pre-season," Ten Hag told reporters when asked about Antony during his press conference to preview Wednesday's game with Copenhagen.

"Then he had a break and now he has to get himself back in form. It is hard work and it will come."

Antony is currently with the Man United squad in Denmark preparing for the key Champions League contest with Copenhagen.

The South American has played twice in the Champions League this term, coming off the bench against Galatasaray at the start of October before starting against Copenhagen at Old Trafford in the team's last game in the competition.

Man United are currently third in Group A, picking up three points from their opening three matches, which has left them one point behind second-placed Galatasaray in the section.

Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Victor Lindelof are all available for Wednesday's match after recent concerns, but Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Amad Diallo and Jadon Sancho are missing.