Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was critical of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony following his side’s 4-2 win against Newport County.

The Red Devils made hard work of their victory against the League Two side.

Erik ten Hag wasn’t happy after Manchester United’s win

Garnacho should have passed across the box

That’s despite racing into a two-goal lead thanks to efforts from Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

United then had great opportunities to put the game to bed. First when Garnacho smashed an effort against the crossbar despite having Rasmus Hojlund and Fernandes waiting across the box, and then Antony seeing his close-range effort blocked.

The first occasion took place around the 20th-minute mark when Garnacho went through into the box. Hojlund was standing all alone in the far post, but rather than pass it to him, the winger took a shot that rattled the post.

Even though Antony scored, he still missed chances

Ten Hag said the game swung after Newport’s first goal but that the Welsh side shouldn’t have had an opportunity to get back into the side if Garnacho and Antony finished their chances.

‘The first 35 mins we were very comfortable leading,’ said Ten Hag.

‘Leading 2-0 but it should have been 3-0 or 4-0. They [Newport] created no chance then out of nothing – there was also a foul – they score.

‘Straight after half-time we make a mistake during defensive transition – not great. Then you have to start again to win this game but then we did, boys well done.

‘We controlled the game but then maybe we went a bit slower but then we had chances for 3-0 with Garnacho the crossbar with two players across the goal and then Antony had some chances. They [Newport] had nothing, but then they score a goal.’

Hojlund was enraged at Garnacho and Antony for the entirety of the game.

The Dane celebrated furiously in front of the visiting fans shortly after netting his eighth goal of the season.