Antony set to return for Manchester United in FA Cup final

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Antony will be available for next weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester City.

There were fears that the Brazil international had suffered a potentially long-term injury when he was stretchered off the field during the 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday night.

As expected, Antony was not involved in Sunday's clash with Fulham, which Man United won 2-1 to secure third position in the Premier League table ahead of Newcastle United.

However, speaking ahead of the contest with the Cottagers, Ten Hag said that the forward's issue is "not too bad", and he has a "good opportunity" of being fit for the FA Cup final.

"We've all seen how he came off and didn't look great. But the first assessment is not too bad and a good opportunity he is available for the Cup final next week," Ten Hag told MUTV.

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Antony appeared to be in serious distress when he left the field on a stretcher, fuelling suggestions that his season had finished.

Man United fell behind against Fulham in their final Premier League game of the campaign on Sunday, with Kenny Tete heading Marco Silva's side into the lead.

Aleksandar Mitrovic then saw a spot kick saved by David de Gea, and Man United went on to score twice through Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes to secure all three points.

Should Antony recover for the FA Cup final, Ten Hag will have a big decision to make in the final third of the field, with Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho also battling for starts.

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Antony has had a productive first season at Old Trafford following his arrival from Ajax, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.

The Brazilian has featured on five occasions in the FA Cup this season, scoring once and providing one assist, and he will hope to return to training next week with a view to featuring at Wembley.

Man United are attempting to stop Man City winning a treble this season, with Pep Guardiola's side taking on Inter Milan in the Champions League final one week after the FA Cup final.

Luke Shaw also picked up a back issue against Chelsea, but the left-back returned to training on Saturday and was ultimately an unused substitute against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.