Antony's form affected by 'off-field issues', admits Ten Hag

Ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Tottenham, Ten Hag said Lisandro Martinez could be involved for the first time since injuring a foot in September.

Casemiro is also back in training after a hamstring complaint suffered in October, while Christian Eriksen is available after illness. Ten Hag's options are improving and the United boss hopes that is matched by an upturn in players' form.

Antony has struggled more than most since joining from Ajax in 2022. He was given a leave of absence in September to deal with allegations of abuse against him that the Brazil winger strongly denies.

Ten Hag believes the off-field issues have had a big impact on Antony. "I can explain. I think it's very simple. I think his off-field issues stop him playing," Ten Hag said.

"I think first year was OK and I think in the pre-season he was very OK. First four games were very good. He was out and then he came back. He didn't deliver the performance we should expect from him and he can do so much better.

"You mention Ajax, also I look back there so his effectiveness, his end product was very high there and also in the Champions League very high. So, I am sure he's capable of doing this."