Erik ten Hag updates that the injury sustained by Antony isn’t serious and he is contention for the FA Cup Final

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided a positive injury update on Antony by saying that the Brazilian could be in contention to start the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on Saturday.

Antony picked up what looked like a nasty ankle injury during the game against Chelsea on Thursday. So much so that the former Ajax winger had to be taken off with the help of a stretcher.

From that to knowing that the injury isn’t serious three days later is good news both for the player and the team. He has become an important player for United in the last few weeks.

Here’s what ten Hag when asked about an update on Antony (h/t Manchester Evening News):

“We’ve all seen how he came off and didn’t look great. But the first assessment is not too bad and a good opportunity he is available for the Cup final next week.”

After a stuttering first half of the season following his August arrival to the club, Antony was starting to impact games more often with his goals and assists and better all-round player. So, a nasty-looking injury like that would have deterred the confidence a bit. But, it is good that it ain’t that serious.

The 23-year-old’s pace and directness on the ball would come in handy against City in the cup final. With Pep Guardiola’s men expected to have the ball and push high, United can counter through Antony and Marcus Rashford in wide areas with support from Bruno Fernandes from deep and Anthony Martial up front.

If the Brazilian does not start, Jadon Sancho has picked up form of late as well. So, in a way, ten Hag would not be short on options when the time to pick his starting XI comes on Saturday.

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Whichever XI he picks, the tactical discipline has to be there to get the better of a team like City. The confidence got from beating them at Old Trafford earlier this calendar year would help.