Erik ten Hag reveals why Antony missed Man Utd vs Bournemouth and explains defensive choice

Erik ten Hag has revealed Antony missed Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth due to the injury.

The winger has started both of the Red Devils’ Premier League games since the World Cup break but was not named in the 20-man squad for Tuesday’s clash with Bournemouth. Instead, Ten Hag opted to select Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the wide areas.

Speaking to MUTV before the match, Ten Hag explained this was due to Antony suffering from a knock but failed to expand on the severity of the problem. The Dutchman also made two changes at centre-back and reinstated Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw played at the heart of defence in recent wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the latter shifted to his regular role of left-back, with Varane dropping to the bench against Bournemouth.

Explaining that decision before the game, Ten Hag said: It’s not about tonight. They are the two we expected to start after the World Cup but they were both out and were ill. Now they are in the team.

"Varane has played a lot of games and we know we have to manage him," he added. "He is a leader so he is important for us."

Lisandro Martinez also returned to the squad and was named on the bench. It’s the first game the defender has been involved in since his success in Qatar, and Ten Hag said he is expecting the former Ajax to get a great reception at Old Trafford.

“It’s a reward and I think he deserved it. I think it was a great performance from Argentina at the World Cup. He was a part of it and played a massive role,” said the United manager.

United starting XI vs Bournemouth: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Fernandes, Van de Beek, Rashford; Martial.