Europa League: Real reason I substituted Antony at half time against Sheriff – Ten Hag

 Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has denied suggestions he took Antony out at half-time against FC Sheriff because of his showboating antics in the first half.

The Red Devils won 3-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday night to confirm their place in the knockout stages.

They would avoid a play-off against a Champions League drop-out if they beat Real Sociedad next week.

However, with the scores still 0-0, Antony pulled out his trademark double 360 degree drag-back skill, before over-hitting a pass straight out of play.

Ten Hag replaced Antony with Marcus Rashford before the teams came out for the second half.

But the United boss insists his decision was pre-planned.

“It was more or less planned. If we were [winning], I wanted to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford close together, that was one of the reasons.

“Also to bring another dynamic over to the right side.

“I thought over the left side Alejandro Garnacho was playing quite well and he had a real threat in his actions, really good tempo dribbles, so that was good to see. So it [Antony’s withdrawal] was more or less planned,” Ten Hag told BT Sport.