Man United boss Erik ten Hag defends Antony after Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand criticism

Erik ten Hag has defended Manchester United's 86million winger Antony amid a storm of criticism.

Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand were among the pundits asking whether the Brazilian is contributing enough after United's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

Ten Hag was desperate to sign Antony from his former club Ajax over the summer, but he has yet to chip in with a single assist in United colours - although he has scored five times.

But the United boss sprung to the player's defence ahead of Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final, first leg fixture with Nottingham Forest.

'When he's playing, the team is winning. That already gives a message of how well he is performing,' Ten Hag said.

'He can do better, I see space for improvement. For instance, and I think also you know this, we want him to be more direct and be more involved.

'But, as I said, the team is performing better if he is on the pitch.

'That's a good thing, that's a good base to build further. I think he has already made an improvement.