New Manchester United star Antony has hit out at an agency claiming to have orchestrated his record-breaking £85million move to Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old winger's switch from Ajax, the biggest in Dutch football history, was announced on transfer deadline day, prompting a battle over which company should take the £20m bonus payment. As exclusively reported by Mirror Football, two different agencies each believe that they had the biggest hand in Antony's transfer.
But following his dream debut for the Red Devils in Sunday's emphatic 3-1 win against Arsenal, he has now shunned one of the parties. Forza Sports Group, whose owner and leading agent is with Revien Kanhai, stated on social media that they'd had controlling influence of the "worldwide biggest transfer this year."
That was despite Junior Pedroso - Antony's personal agent - insisting in South America that he'd brokered the mega deal. The Brazil international has now spoken out amid the dispute, shutting down Forza's claims. "This must be a joke!??!!" Antony wrote on his Instagram story.
"After so much work by our team/family, an unknown person wants to take control of my transfer. I kindly ask you to delete my name from your publication, as YOU were not involved in the negotiation of my contract nor the negotiation of the transfer between the two clubs #respect."
As United's second-most expensive transfer of all-time, the Sao Paulo academy product came to England with lofty expectations. And it didn't take him long to deliver, scoring 35 minutes into his debut after Erik ten Hag handed him a surprise start in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
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Antony's left-footed finish past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale gave the Red Devils a first-half lead before Bukayo Saka 's equaliser. Two goals from Marcus Rashford then ensured that all three points stayed in Manchester. "What an incredible day!" Antony posted after the match.
"A huge thanks to all MU staff and my teammates!! I'll never forget this day! To United fans, all my affection for this reception! Let's go for more! That's just the beginning."
Ten Hag, who signed the Brazilian two years ago for Ajax, was also delighted with the Antony's United bow, saying: "He has missed some training, so he lacks a little bit of power but you can see his potential. He is really good with his pace and his dribbles and also his pressing capabilities. The intensity of the Premier League is high and that is going to be a challenge for him but we have seen his potential."
