Erik ten Hag praised Marcus Rashford for letting Antony take a penalty as Manchester United thrashed Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
United got moving by beating their Ligue 1 counterparts 7-0 at Old Trafford with Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen scoring twice, while Antony also found the back of the next from the spot.
Rashford’s brace made it three goals in his last two games and it looks like the England international may be starting to find his feet.
Ten Hag over Rashford and Antony
Rashford opened the scoring with a brilliant finish and was also instrumental in the second as it was his pass that put Antony away before the Brazil international was fouled in the box by Gabriel Slonina.
It looked like the England international was going to take the spot-kick, but he passed the ball to Antony who saved it to open his account for the season.
It turns out that giving Antony the penalty could have cost Rashford a hat-trick, but that moment could be huge for the Brazilian, who was starting his first game of the season.
In the build-up to the match, Ten Hag had warned the former Ajax man that he needed to work hard in training and earn the right to play.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag was pleased with the contribution of his attacking players and praised Rashford for letting Antony take the penalty.
“They are very ambitious, they are very hungry,” he told his colleagues post-match press conference.
“But they also give the ball to themselves, they want to give assists and give themselves the opportunity to score a goal like with the penalty.
“Antony needs a bit of confidence and then Rashy gives Antony grief, which is good for the team when they’re together.”
Rashford has struggled since scoring 30 goals in all competitions in the 2022/2023 campaign and Ten Hag will be hoping to rediscover that form.
Next up for United is a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday evening with Rashford looking to score for the third game in a row in all competitions.
Top photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
