Erik Ten Hag left unhappy with Manchester United winger Antony in derby defeat?

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag was reportedly left frustrated with Antony during the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

On the back of four successive wins in the Premier League, United made the short trip to the Etihad Stadium with the belief that they could cause a surprise against their neighbours.

However, the Red Devils were blown away by the defending champions, who surged into a 4-0 half-time lead before running out victors in a nine-goal thriller.

One of United's strikes came from the boot of big-money arrival Antony, who found the far corner of the net with a terrific effort from 25 yards out.

Nevertheless, according to The Sun, the Brazil international was not in his manager's good books at the weekend.

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The report claims that the 22-year-old did not listen to Ten Hag's repeated requests to provide more backup to right-back Diogo Dalot.

In just the second minute of the contest, the Portuguese was handed a yellow card, and he was frequently exposed down that side of the pitch.

Ten Hag has allegedly worked with Antony to improve the defensive side of his game since his move from Ajax, reminding him of his responsibilities away from the final third.

However, any progress was not on show during the clash at the weekend, much to the frustration of Ten Hag who questioned the attitude of his players.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag said: "It was a lack of belief. I'm surprised why we didn't bring that on the pitch. I have seen a different team, a different spirit and a different fight. We didn't have convincement. We were not brave in possession.

"It is always difficult to find out. The players know they can do better. If you don't fight then you have a problem against a team like Manchester City.

"This is definitely different [to Brentford]. We didn't run there. We wanted to today but didn't follow the principles. It was a lack of belief. I will show the team that we could have been front-footed.

Antony, who cost in the region of £85m, has contributed two goals from his four starts in all competitions, and is regarded as first choice down the right-hand side.

United square off against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday night before they meet Everton in the Premier League three days later.