Manchester United forward Antony has branded Erik ten Hag "very capable" and has backed the Red Devils head coach to lead the team through a difficult period.

A tough 2023-24 campaign to date has seen Man United lose 10 of their 21 matches in all competitions, and there has been speculation surrounding Ten Hag's position at the helm.

The head coach has called for patience amid a tough spell, with the Red Devils facing three successive home games against Chelsea, Bournemouth and Bayern Munich, before visiting Liverpool on December 17.

Antony, who reunited with Ten Hag at Man United following their time together at Ajax, has said that he has a "very good" relationship with the Dutchman and is confident that the team's fortunes will turn in the coming weeks.

"My relationship with Ten Hag has always been very good since Ajax. He taught me a lot, and I owe him a lot for my professional evolution," Antony told The United Stand.

"Of course, in football, we end up experiencing ups and downs, which is normal. But I like him, and I think he's an excellent professional, very capable. It can't be easy to manage such a huge and historical club as Manchester United."

Antony also opened up on his transition to Premier League football from the Eredivisie in a wide-ranging interview.

"The Premier League has been the strongest worldwide for a long time. I grew tactically playing for Ajax and intend to develop even more for Manchester United. Both tactically and in statistics," he said.

"I realised that the game is more dynamic in the Premier League, and we do not have time to think. The game requires focus on the physical and mental side.

"This is why it's essential to have a good pre-season, which I didn't have an opportunity to participate in. I'm trying to run against time to be at the same level as my teammates.

"I am feeling physically stronger, and I also understand the English game style. I developed a lot in tactics, defending a lot more, and supporting the wing-back. One of my duties is to cover well on the right side and be efficient on the offensive side."

Antony also admitted that Man United are currently "unstable" due to their absentees, but the forward is confident that the team's form will improve once their injured players return.

"The season is not as good as we wanted; we are unstable. But we lost a lot of injured players, fundamental pieces for Erik ten Hag's chess. With the return of part of the squad, we will improve, and results will improve," he said.

During the same interview, Antony also hit out at the criticism that has come his way this season, with the Brazilian revealing that he is 'silently rebuilding himself'. body check tags ::