Antony opens up on true feelings towards Erik ten Hag after being asked to play at left-back

In a new interview, Manchester United winger Antony has delivered a brutally honest assessment of his own performances last season before opening up on being deployed as a left-back.

The 24-year-old Brazilian, who is the second most expensive signing in United's history following his £86 million move from Ajax, has shown glimpses of brilliance since the big-money move.

He scored on his much-anticipated debut against Arsenal at Old Trafford and won the club's goal of the season after scoring a half-volley in their Europa League win over Barcelona.

But more often than not Antony has been a source of frustration. His unwillingness to use his right foot continues to be brought up on a weekly basis – not to mention a lack of end product in the final third.

Over the last two seasons, he has notched 11 goals and five assists in 82 appearances – an output he will be hoping to improve on in the coming months.

Image credit: Getty

After another disappointing campaign in 23/24, he has spoken about his efforts in an interview with the Daily Mail, where he also discussed playing at left-back and his relationship with Erik ten Hag.

"I’m someone who demands a lot of myself and I was obviously not satisfied with my season," he said ahead of this weekend's Community Shield clash against Manchester City,

"A lot happened last season. I played full-back and was a little uneasy about it, but that was because with the team losing or drawing you want to be in the attack to turn things around and help the team.

"Being moved into defence bothered me a bit. You feel annoyed in the moment during the game, but afterwards, it's all fine. I have tremendous affection for Erik and he has a lot of affection for me.

"He's a great coach and he knows he can rely upon me."

Back in March, Antony had to be calmed down by teammate Marcus Rashford after being told to play left-back during their dramatic FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool.

And two months later, he expressed his anger again after being asked to play as a makeshift left-back during United's defeat to Arsenal.

In a bid to improve performances, Antony and his partner Rosilene have come up with an idea.

"I have a lot of objectives, ones I write down for myself and many for this new season," he added. "I haven't been doing this for that long, but I'm doing it a lot more for this season. I have to do it for every game.

"Always on paper, in my house. I usually take the notes with me but if I leave them at home, I'll always ask my wife to send me a photo of them.

"There are a lot of things I note down in detail: how many shots I should be making in a game, I can't lose the ball, I need to score goals and create assists, pass and dribble completions as well as defensive performance, more work on the right foot. I have a lot of objectives.

"Rest assured, you'll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists."