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Erik ten Hag gives worrying Antony update as Man Utd forward has ‘really small chance’ to make FA Cup final against Man City.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Antony is unlikely to recover in time to face Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Even though Antony is working hard to be well in time for the all-Manchester final at Wembley, it’s doubtful that he will be able to join the team. The Brazilian was spotted on crutches during United’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday after being taken out on a stretcher during United’s 4-1 triumph over Chelsea on May 25.
Although Antony has only contributed eight goals and three assists since joining the team for £85 million from Ajax, Ten Hag will be hurt by his absence because he frequently contributes to the defence. A torn hamstring has also sidelined Anthony Martial.
“Unlikely, still a chance but a really small chance. He didn’t make progress so he still has a chance but unlikely he is available,” Ten Hag told a press conference. However, the Dutchman remained upbeat about United’s chances in the final against Premier League champions City, adding: “It is about the the players who are available and many times we were successful. We have a good squad and from the good squad we make a good team.”
Since United in 1999, City is just two victories away from being the first English side to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League triple. However, Ten Hag emphasized that United’s motivation was only to win the FA Cup and not the possibility of derailment of City’s treble aspirations.
“We want to win a cup, it is not about stopping them, it is about that we win the cup,” he argued. “We have a great opportunity. It is great that we deserved that opportunity to be in a cup final and meet Man City, it is a great opportunity and we fought so hard for it, we progressed so well that we are in the FA Cup final. Wembley is probably the best stadium in the world and to be there in cup final is very exciting.”
In what would be the first final between the two Manchester teams, United will be going for their 13th FA Cup victory. After that, they will have a four-week break before facing Leeds in Norway to kick off their preseason schedule.