Return Date Announced ahead of FA Cup final – Erik ten Hag confirms Antony injury is “serious”
Antony is now questionable for the June 3 FA Cup final at Wembley after being stretchered off during Thursday night's 4-1 victory against Chelsea by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Although Antony’s injury has been deemed “serious” by Erik ten Hag, it will take 24 hours to learn the full degree of the complaint.
The 23-year-old Brazil international was removed from Thursday night’s 4-1 triumph over Chelsea at Old Trafford following a forceful but legal challenge from Trevoh Chalobah. Antony’s participation in the June 3 FA Cup final match against Manchester City is currently in doubt.
Ten Hag refuses to make any assumptions regarding Antony’s injury but is obviously concerned that it might be serious. The good news for United is that their victory over Chelsea has secured their spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season, leaving Liverpool out.
During a press conference, Ten Hag was questioned about Antony. Everyone has seen him come off, but I don’t know how he is, he retorted. I can tell you that it’s serious, but we won’t know more about the extent of his injury until at least 24 hours have passed.
Luke Shaw, who missed the second half due to a back complaint, is also questionable for the FA Cup final due to injury. Ten Hag didn’t give any new information on Shaw.
Despite the victory on Thursday night, Ten Hag has made it clear that he expects more from his team. Despite United’s convincing victory, which moved them up to third place, Ten Hag declared he is not content and pushed his team to cut the gap on champions Man City the following year.
When asked about United’s re-entry into the Champions League, Ten Hag said: “We’re still not where we want to be, but I think that was a really important step.
“We are making progress, but there is still much work to be done, and we ought to have scored more points.
The standard has to be raised, but the team made good progress, providing a solid foundation. While strengthening this team during the window, we must also work with it during the summer. We require better athletes.
Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, said after his team overcame Liverpool to clinch a top-four spot: “We know it means a lot to the fans. We care about achieving our objectives. We are aware that Liverpool’s absence would make us happy, but for us, achieving the greatest possible outcome is paramount.
Chelsea’s performance on Thursday night places them in 12th place in the Premier League. If they lose against Newcastle at home on the season’s final day and Wolves and Bournemouth defeat Arsenal and Everton, respectively, they might finish as low as 14th.
It’s been a rough year for the club, according to interim manager Lampard, who has lost eight of his first ten matches in charge. Get to the bottom of how it improves; that’s what matters.
