Manchester United 3 Arsenal 1: Erik ten Hag hails Antony's 'threat', sees 'room for improvement'
- Simon Wilkes
- 4 September 2022
Erik ten Hag insisted there is ‘room for improvement’ after seeing Manchester United dismantle Premier League leaders Arsenal in a pulsating 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
New United signing Antony made his debut for the Red Devils - and opened the scoring with a clinical finish on 35 minutes.
The Gunners equalised through Bukayo Saka on the hour mark - but were hit on the counter-attack by United striker Marcus Rashford, who found the net on 66 and 75 minutes.
Ten Hag was impressed with Antony's first showing in the English top flight, telling Sky Sports: "I think we have seen what a threat he is, and his speed and creativity can be a real threat in the Premier League.
"He did well but I know he can step up. There is more potential and he will get that, and be even more of a threat for opponents than he was today."
United have now won four league games on the trot after losing their opening two games against Brighton and Brentford.
And two-goal hero Rashford hailed his side's "togetherness", saying the evolving team ethic could prove crucial in their bid to muscle in on the top four this season.
Rashford said: "Togetherness is the big thing for me - you only win these kinds of games when you're within a team.
"We've shown in the last few games from being 1-0 up we can see a game out but we had to be a team to be ruthless and get more goals.
"We got two more goals in the second half and we could have had a couple more so it's definitely something we can build on."
Rashford's comments were echoed by United boss Erik ten Hag, who is adamant his side can only continue to get better.
The Dutchman said: "We are not that long in the process and when we get into that we will be even more comfortable - there is still a lot of room for improvement.
"Even if the team gets a setback they deal with it and fight back, and that's really good to see. I like this mentality."
Arsenal are still top of the league and dominated large spells of the game - but left themselves too open in the second half following three substitutions by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard said: "We are really disappointed to lose the game, especially after what happened during the 95 minutes.
"We had moments when we totally dominated and had chance after chance and we didn't close the game out.
"To come here with these boys and play the way they have played, and dominated the game the way they have, but if you want to be at the top you have to win the game."
