Manchester United are set to face Barnsley later today in an EFL Cup clash, with manager Erik ten Hag discussing various players and their fitness in the lead-up to the match. During his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag provided an update on the status of defender Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined due to injury. “He’s progressing but not yet ready to be selected” the Dutch head coach said. “He is progressing well. We have a plan in our head when he can be ready, but you’re always dependent on how the progress will go. There are many factors, a plan can accelerate or slow down.”
🚨 Ten Hag also says Antony must earn the right to play after £86m winger made just one appearance this season as an 89th-min sub at Brighton.
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On the positive side, Ten Hag confirmed that Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez are all fit and available for selection against Barnsley, giving the Red Devils a boost in defence.
The manager also touched on Antony’s situation, who has made only one short appearance so far this season. Ten Hag emphasized the importance of earning the right to play through hard work in training. “We have training every day and the players have to earn the right to play” he said. “When players are doing the right things in training, when the attitude is good and they show performance in training, then they will earn the right to play.”
Ten Hag acknowledged that Antony has to keep fighting for his place in the squad, noting, “Antony is fighting, fighting for his position. That’s what we expect from every player who is in the squad at Man United.” The manager also urged Antony to bounce back and make the most of his chances. “Antony has to bounce back and he has the ability to do it” Ten Hag said. “If he is doing the right things, he can make competition with the young talents we have.”
Ten Hag also made it clear that Antony needs to step up. “Of course, Antony is impatient, he wants to play and is fighting to play” the manager explained. “We have Amad and Garnacho who have been very effective, Rashford scoring at the weekend, Antony has to earn the right in training. The others are doing well, so he has to get over them.”