Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has defended £85million signing Antony – as the Brazil international is struggling to find his best form in the Premier League

Erik ten Hag has dismissed the recent row between Antony and Bruno Fernandes as something “that can happen” on the pitch.

Antony and Fernandes were spotted sharing X-rated words during Manchester United’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier this month. The £85million signing appeared to shout “son of a b****” during the heated exchange.

Yet Ten Hag has reassured fans that everything is OK between Antony and Fernandes. The United boss discussed the incident ahead of his team’s commanding 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Ten Hag was asked about the incident during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. He said: “I think that can happen. They are both players who play with the heart and, when they bring that in the game, they are on their best so it’s always a kind of balance.

“And always between players, sometimes emotions flare up but I think, in the second moment, they are already good with each other so that is not a problem. I think definitely the players are not frustrated with him.”

Ten Hag was also keen to support Antony amid criticism of his performances. The Brazilian has scored just five goals and provided no assists since his summer transfer, with many pundits wondering whether he is good enough to succeed in England.

Antony was spotted sharing words with Bruno Fernandes against Crystal Palace ( Image: Sky Sports)

Yet Ten Hag has no doubts. He added: “When he’s playing, the team is winning. That already gives a message of how well he is performing. He can do better, I see space for improvement. For instance, and I think also you know this, we want him to be more direct and be more involved.

“But, as I said, the team is performing better if he is on the pitch. That’s a good thing, that’s a good base to build further. I think he has already made an improvement. In his first three [league] games, he scored three goals.

“Now he was scoring against Everton, he was scoring against Charlton, so also that fact, he has an impact. But I think with his capabilities, with his talents, he can do even more. But as I said, I think he has [made] a good contribution in the team.”

Despite facing criticism, Antony is in a good position to win a trophy during his first season in England after United’s big win against Forest. Ten Hag’s side will reach the final of the Carabao Cup if they avoid a heavy defeat to Forest next Wednesday night.

United are the favourites to win that tournament and will play either Southampton or Newcastle in the final. The Magpies won 1-0 at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.

United are also still in the FA Cup and will host Reading in the fourth round on Saturday night. In terms of Europa League, they will face Barcelona in the play-off round. The winners of the latter tie will be regarded as one of the tournament favourites.