Manchester United winger Antony must earn his spot on the team by showing consistency in training, the Premier League club’s manager Erik ten Hag said.

Antony, signed from Ajax Amsterdam in 2022 for a reported initial fee of £80.75 million ($106.57 million), has failed to impress at Old Trafford. The Brazilian international has fallen down the pecking order, making just one appearance this season, with Ten Hag opting to field former academy players Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho instead.

Asked about Antony’s lack of playing time, Ten Hag said: “That is professional football, that is top football. Those are the laws. You pick the team that you think has the most chance to win a game.

“The players have to fight for their positions. You pick the XI with the best dynamics and chemistry,” the Dutch manager added.

“Now he (Antony) has to bounce back and he has the ability to do it. If he is doing the right thing, he can compete with them.

"He's fighting for his position. That’s what we expect from every player in the squad at Manchester United. They need to earn their spots. The message is clear for each and everyone.

"We have training every day and the players have to earn the right. When their attitude is good and they perform in training, they will play then.

“(Marcus) Rashford scored at the weekend (a 3-0 win at Southampton). He has to get over them.”

Rashford ended his goal drought on Saturday as United recorded their most convincing performance of the season so far.