Erik ten Hag might have already given up on 'unstoppable' Manchester United player

When the Manchester United team is submitted at St Mary's on Saturday lunchtime there is one selection decision likely to go uncommented about, yet it speaks volumes about the subtle shift in Erik ten Hag's relationship with his most expensive signing.

It would not be a surprise if Antony was selected as a substitute for the eighth game in a row, dating back to last season. The only surprise might be if the Brazilian makes it onto the pitch, having played just one minute of football in those previous seven matches.

In Antony's first 21 months or so, Ten Hag did all he could to back him and defend him. A steady first season didn't offer a great return on the £85.5m investment but rather than being a base to build from, it turned out to be the peak. Antony's performances and effectiveness deteriorated last term.

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He has now started just five of the last 25 matches since scoring and assisting against Newport County in January and although United have denied reports of a falling out between the pair, the relationship between Ten Hag and Antony appears cooler.

In January, Ten Hag suggested the domestic abuse allegations hanging over the winger were affecting his performances and said he was still adapting in the Premier League. A month later, he struck a similarly upbeat tone.

"Antony: I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities and he has great abilities," he said.

"When he plays like I know from the past he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he's one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards.

"When he plays that game he will