Erik ten Hag has already told Manchester United ace Antony how to react to being dropped

Given that Antony had arguably been Manchester United's best player in April, it came as somewhat of a surprise to see the Brazilian drop out of the starting line-up for the game with Aston Villa at the weekend.

The winger delivered one of his strongest performances of the campaign in United's 2-0 win away at Nottingham Forest last month, with the 23-year-old scoring and grabbing an assist. It was also just the seventh time he had played the full 90 minutes in a Premier League match since signing from Ajax.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet in any other matches, Antony had certainly been one of Erik ten Hag's best players in the calendar month and was starting to show signs that - even if he wasn't scoring - he was capable of having a real influence when his team really needed it.

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It was, therefore, surprising to see him named among the substitutes for the game against Villa on Sunday afternoon. Bruno Fernandes took his place on the right-wing, with the Brazilian winger dropping out of the starting XI along with right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Ten Hag suggested his decision to drop the pair was partly down to tactical reasons.

Speaking ahead of the match, the Dutchman explained his line up for the clash against Unai Emery's side and, in particular, why Antony was not starting.

"We have to divide the load of the players, that's one. But also from a tactical perspective. You have a plan, that's why the changes," he told MUTV.

When asked specifically on the decision to drop Antony after his recent impressive performances, Ten Hag added: "I tried to explain it in your first question. He has played so much... we have to protect him as