Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag might need to make selection decision to unlock Antony’s potential

It shouldn't work, but somehow it does. The introverted English grafter who has struggled to win the trust of Erik ten Hag and the outgoing Brazilian showman who is something of a pet project for his Manchester United manager.

Put Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antony on the right side for United on paper and it just looks wrong, but put them together on the pitch and it seems to be clicking. At least to a greater degree than the partnership that Antony has attempted to forge with Diogo Dalot.

There should be a synchronicity to that connection but it hasn't really worked. Perhaps it is a clash of styles, or the case that Dalot has taken on board Ten Hag's demands for a full-back, often making underlapping runs and moving into midfield. That can occasionally block Antony's preferred move, which if you hadn't noticed is to cut in on his left foot.

READ MORE: Ten Hag claims Antony improved six things in the second half

For all the frustration at the £85million winger for his steadfast refusal to do anything other than stand on his right foot, it is less of an issue when he produces the kind of quality that he did for United's second goal against Real Betis. It was a sensational finish.

It also came in the second half, when Ten Hag made the point that his performance was much better than in the first 45 minutes. That was the case for a lot of United players and they certainly improved for the presence of Wan-Bissaka, a half-time replacement for Dalot for the second time in four games.

Statistically, there was little to separate their contributions. Dalot managed 36 touches to Wan-Bissaka's 35 and 19 successful passes out of 22, to Wan-Bissaka's 18 from 21. Those numbers are so similar it suggests there was little change.

But the