Antony can give Jadon Sancho what he wants at Manchester United

Even before he was named Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag knew that he would need to find a way to balance the club's attack if he were to take the reigns this summer.

With a focus on flexibility and fluidity in his forward line, the new United manager set about implementing his style of play in pre-season, utilising a trio of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to spearhead his side. Each of those players has a preferred role in attack, but crucially, they can all play in other roles too, something that is vital if they are to terrorise opposition defences with their perpetual movement and regular interchanging.

It worked, too. United were much improved during the summer schedule, though their performance level dropped in the penultimate pre-season fixture when Martial limped out of defeat to Atletico Madrid with an injury.

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They lost twice without him at the start of the season proper. In the last two matches, Anthony Elanga has come into the side to fill a similar role, and although not as good as Martial, he has allowed them to return to the fluid set-up, and they have recorded two wins.

United's preferred tactic should get even better following the addition of a right-wing specialist this week. With an initial fee of €95m up front (including a solidarity payment to Sao Paulo) and €5m in add-ons, Antony will be the club's second-most expensive signing ever, meaning there is an acceptance that he will need to start most matches.

This means there are only two other attacking positions up for grabs in United's strongest XI — something that might well suit Sancho the most.

The England international has enjoyed a fine start to the