Antony transfer can help Erik ten Hag fulfil his Manchester United promise

The roar that was generated when Jadon Sancho's 16th minute effort hit the back of the net against Liverpool last Monday night was one of the most deafening in Old Trafford's recent history.

The Manchester United winger's first first goal of the season threatened to blow the roof off, with the home crowd finally getting something to celebrate. It marked the beginning of one of the most memorable evenings United's supporters have been treated to in recent years.

After losing their opening two matches, which included the 4-0 embarrassment at Brentford nine days earlier, United knew they had to do something to get their fans back onside. Another defeat, particularly at the hands of their fiercest rivals, would have spelt further trouble and marked a third defeat on the spin for Erik ten Hag at the start of his tenure.

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However, for the first time since the 5-1 win over Leeds on the opening day of last season, United turned up the heat on their own patch, producing an Old Trafford performance the supporters could truly be proud of. Ten Hag's troops were electric from start to finish.

After Sancho's opener, United, when out of possession, continued to hassle and harry Liverpool, pressing them relentlessly. When they had the ball, they were vibrant, fluid and, for the first time in a very, very long time, were entertaining to watch.

It was a complete contrast to what was served up against Brighton and Brentford, with Ten Hag, for the first time, seeing evidence that his players were responding to his methods and demands. Although they remain far from the finished product, as proven by Saturday's hard-fought 1-0 win at Southampton, it shows that United have the