Erik ten Hag gives optimistic Antony injury update ahead of Man Utd vs Man City FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag has given an optimistic fitness update on Antony and has said the Brazilian could be available to play in next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The Manchester United forward was taken off with what looked to be a long-term injury in the first half of Thursday’s 4-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford,

Antony had to be carried on a stretcher when he came off and Ten Hag described Antony’s injury as ‘serious’ after the match, and hadn’t given a further update prior to Sunday. “I don’t know [how serious the injury is],” Ten Hag said on Thursday. “Everyone has seen he came off. I can tell you that it’s serious but we have to wait minimum 24 hours and then we know probably more about the status of his injury.”

Speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham, Ten Hag told Shamoon Hafez of the BBC that the problem is ‘not bad’ and added Antony ‘should be available’ for the FA Cup.

It’s a huge boost for United given the ex-Ajax man had started 12 of the last 13 Premier League matches prior to Sunday, and is Ten Hag’s first choice at right wing. Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have all played there this season, but, if fit, Antony will almost certainly be named in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, there was further good news for United on Sunday with Luke Shaw named on the bench against Fulham. The left-back was replaced at half-time against Chelsea with a knock and was named on the bench for the final league match of the season, indicating he should be fit to play against City at Wembley. Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek are the only United players definitely ruled out of the FA Cup final through injury.