Ten Hag backs Antony to improve after dream Man United debut

Manchester United winger Antony will get better as he adapts to life at the club after the Brazil international hit the ground running by scoring in the 3-1 Premier League win over Arsenal last weekend, manager Erik ten Hag said on Wednesday. Antony scored on his debut just days after joining the side from Ajax Amsterdam and Ten Hag said he was not surprised with the 22-year-old's immediate impact having managed him at the Dutch team previously. "It will take time for us to adapt to each other, but he adapted really quickly," Ten Hag said told reporters ahead of their Europa League opener against Real Sociedad on Thursday.

"He's a very good kid, he's very open to get help and he will adapt quickly. Everyone has welcomed him and I'm sure he will be successful." Ten Hag has kept faith with Scott McTominay in midfield despite the arrival of the experienced Casemiro from Real Madrid and the Dutch manager said he was happy to have depth in his squad. "When the team is acting well, we have more than 11 players, then you stay in," Ten Hag said.

"The team is improving, getting better but for the players that aren't in the team, they can come in at any moment and maybe do better than the players that are in. I know that you need more than 11 players. We have a really good bench." Striker Marcus Rashford has struck form in their run of four straight league wins with three goals and two assists and Ten Hag said he was delighted to see the England man play with a smile again.

"What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford," Ten Hag said. "We worked really hard in the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch.