Erik ten Hag has had a dream start to life as Manchester United manager, recently setting a record in the top 5 leagues for the 22/23 season.
Antony came off the bench in the second leg of United's Europa League knockout round play-off against Barcelona, eventually scoring the winner that put the Red Devils through.
The Brazilian has received a lot of stick this season despite his short time at the club since joining in the summer of 2022 for £85m, but his goal on Thursday night set a record among teams in Europe's top 5 leagues.
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Wout Weghorst was taken off at half-time as Ten Hag was not happy with the performance shown by his side, as they went into the break 1-0 down to the Catalan giants.
Antony was put on the right wing, with Bruno Fernandes moving back to the #10 position, Rashford being put up front and Sancho moving to the left hand-side.
It worked a treat as the ex-Ajax winger constantly cause problems for the Barcelona back line with his pace, trickery and unpredictability.
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His first time side-foot volley sent Barcelona crashing out of Europe, and it was the 19th goal this season that was scored by a substitute for Manchester United.
That is the most out of any team in Europe's top 5 leagues, highlighting ten Hag's bravery and risk-taking ability in-game, as he doesn't let the game get away from him and acts quickly if the result is not going his way.
As well as Thursday night's game, Erik ten Hag has made half-time changes against Liverpool, Omonia Nicosia, Wolves, Man City and Leicester, with all of these games resulting in wins for Manchester United.
Antony joins Anthony Martial, Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Sancho in coming off the bench to make a difference in games this season.
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Marcus Rashford has the most goals off the bench than any player in the squad with five, with Anthony Martial close in second with four, followed by two each from Garnacho, Sancho and Fred.
Rashford's most notable substitute appearance was on New Year's Eve, when he was dropped from the XI against Wolves for being late for a team meeting, yet came on as a substitute and rescued all three points, scoring the sole goal in a 1-0 away win.
The stat shows ten Hag's hunger to win, and how he acts without hesitation to fight for results, it is a mentality that hasn't been seen at Manchester United in years.
Topics: Antony, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Football
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Joshua Nair