Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was asked about his belief in young players this week - and his relationship with Antony.

Ten Hag has given chances to the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Omari Forson this term.

However, he was asked about the reasons for Forson starting against Fulham and Amad Diallo coming off the bench, when his mega money signing Antony was on the bench.

Ten Hag told reporters: "First of all, I brought Kobbie Mainoo [into the team], and everyone was questioning. We are six weeks ahead and the same who were questioning are now telling: 'He has to go in the England squad'. Same people. Garnacho... it's the truth. I brought Garnacho [into the team]. 'What is the manager doing? What is the staff doing?' But they need time and so Omari came on and it's not easy to come into that game because we didn't play our best game.

“The team, then it's also for him, not easy [to come into] but he plays a reasonable game. And I think he showed abilities, that he can be a player for the future. So, they need some time, but they also have to know in, top football, you don't get time, you have to perform. And when you come in, you have to show it and, as a manager, I know they need the time.

“So, that is the paradox. I will give them the time because I believe in these players. The second question, Antony, I backed him for a long time and I know his abilities and he has great abilities, when he plays how I know from the past, he's unstoppable.

“No defender can stop him because he's one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards. So, when he plays that game, then he will perform. I'm sure and I'm very confident he will for the future, and I know, I'm sure he's resilient, he's a character and he will fight back. So, I back him in that place and he is now to wait for his chance and, once he's there, he has to pick up."