Erik ten Hag gives positive injury update on Antony ahead of FA Cup Final vs Man City

Erik ten Hag has delivered positive injury news on the fitness of Antony, claiming the forward could be available for their crunch FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City next week.

Manchester United solidified their standing inside the top four on Thursday with a comfortable 4-1 win against Chelsea at Old Trafford. 

Casemiro was the orchestrator in what was a comfortable win for the Red Devils, with the Brazilian scoring inside ten minutes, before playing Jadon Sancho through with a lovely looping pass, allowing him to find Anthony Martial at the far post, who tapped in to make it 2-0.

Bruno Fernandes scored from penalty spot in the second-half, while Marcus Rashford completed the quartet of goals, wrapping up a a convincing win to secure their spot in the Champions League next year. 

But the victory was soured after star forward Antony was brought off on a stretcher after he suffered a nasty looking injury, following a crunching tackle from Trevoh Chalobah having broken through the Chelsea lines with a weaving run.

Ten Hag (pictured) admitted that Antony’s first injury assessment ‘is not too bad’ after the challenge

The winger had broken through the Chelsea lines but was brought down by Trevoh Chalobah in a crunching tackle

After the match, Ten Hag was noticeably concerned over the fitness of the 23-year-old, especially considering Man United’s upcoming FA Cup final clash against rivals City. 

After the game, the Dutchman said: ‘I can tell you that it’s serious but we have to wait a minimum 24 hours and then we know probably more about the status of his injury.’

The manager was also seen consoling the Brazilian as he was brought from the field on a stretcher, after Antony fell to the floor in agony, clutching his ankle. 

While no free-kick was given, the forward, who has four goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season, slammed his fist on the floor in pain.

But it appears his injury may not be as bad as first thought, with the Dutch manager hopeful that he will be available for the FA Cup final in six days time.  

Speaking on MUTV, the Dutch manager said: ‘We’ve all seen how he [Antony] 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.’ 

His side will go into their second cup final of the season next Saturday against rivals Man City, who are hoping to emulate the Red Devils’ 1999 treble winning season, and become only the second club to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. 

Ten Hag’s side are hoping to spoil the party, with the Dutch manager able to secure his second piece of silver wear in only his first season at the club. 

The forward was visibly in pain after the tackle and was subsequently carried off the pitch on a stretcher, with his manager (second-right) comforting him 

But the news is positive, with Antony being an important part of Ten Hag’s squad this season

Casemiro was the main orchestrator of the win, scoring the opener before producing a lovely pass to allow Jadon Sancho to play in Anthony Martial

Bruno Fernandes (left) scored a penalty to make it 3-0 before Marcus Rashford got the fourth

It’s clear, United have made progress this season under their new coach, after a few turbulent seasons under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

But the Dutchman lauded his side for their efforts in qualifying for the Champions League, claiming getting back into Europe’s marquee competition was an ‘important step’, 

Speaking directly to Sky Sports following the win against Chelsea, ten Hag said: ‘We are in the right direction but we know we are still not there.

‘We are back in the Champions League. That is an important step. If you want to be successful you have to be in that competition.’