Explained: Why Antony was left out of Man Utd's squad to face Everton as academy graduate Joe Hugill gets surprise senior opportunity

The Red Devils travelled to Goodison Park to take on the Toffees on Sunday, but were without the attacker, who had featured in each of their last five Premier League matches. In his place, United academy product Hugill was given his first call up to the senior team.

Antony has been ruled out with a knock, adding to United's already sizeable injury list, Manchester Evening Newsreports. They were also without Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen for Sunday's game. United coach Erik ten Hag was, however, able to welcome Luke Shaw and Kobe Mainoo back into the team after they recovered from injury.

Antony has featured nine times in the Premier League but started just three of those matches and has not yet scored a goal or registered any assists. His absence allowed 20-year-old forward Hugill a surprise chance with the Red Devils' senior team. The youngster has scored six goals in eight appearances in Premier League 2 this season.

Ten Hag's team got off to a flyer against Everton with a Goal of the Season contender from Alejandro Garnacho inside three minutes. They were eighth in the table heading into the clash at Goodison Park, while the Toffees sit 19th after being deducted 10 points.