‘He is good on the right’ - Erik ten Hag hints at Man Utd FA Cup final selection with Antony injury

Erik ten Hag has hinted at who could start at right wing for Manchester United in the FA Cup final next weekend, with Antony expected to miss the game against Manchester City through injury.

The winger picked up the problem in United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday after he was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Trevoh Chalobah, and Antony appeared to be agony before being taken off on a stretcher. Ten Hag described the injury as ‘serious’ after the game but added he would need to wait for an update on the exact nature of the issue.

Regardless, Antony looks almost certain to miss out on the FA Cup final, which poses a selection dilemma for Ten Hag given the Brazilian has started 12 of the last 13 Premier League matches on the right flank.

United don’t have a natural alternative on that side, evidenced by the fact Bruno Fernandes played out right when Antony last failed to start a league match. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garacho and Facundo Pellistri could potentially operate in that role at Wembley, although the Chelsea match provided an indication that Jadon Sancho may be deployed on the opposite side to his preferred position on the left.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man switched flanks after Antony’s withdrawal on Thursday and put in an excellent display as he set up two goals from the right.

“He did very well on the right side and I think he played a very good game today,” Ten Hag said after the win over Chelsea. “I think Jadon Sancho is one of the players who make progress this season. There are many players in our squad who make good progress and I think it is a good basis to go from.”

Asked if he prefers Sancho operating on the right or left, Ten Hag responded: “He can go both. I think he prefers to play on the left, but we saw today he is very good on the right side.”

The 23-year-old has made 39 appearances for United this season but has provided just six goals and three assists.