Manchester United’s pursuit of Antony could bring the fulfilment of a promise the Ajax winger made to Erik ten Hag after his departure for Old Trafford.
United officials have reportedly flown to Amsterdam to push forward a £40million transfer for Antony. If the deal is completed then the 22-year-old winger will become the first signing of the Ten Hag era at Old Trafford.
Antony caught the eye of many major European clubs last season by contributing 12 goals and eight assists across 33 appearances in all competitions. The Brazilian was one of the key players behind Ajax’s Eredivisie title triumph and enjoyed a strong working relationship with his manager.
Ten Hag brought Antony to the club from Sao Paulo in February 2020 on a five-year contract for an initial fee of £13m and helped him develop his game. Antony was sad to see his mentor leave Amsterdam for United at the end of the 2021/22 season and posted a video message to his manager upon his departure.
"I want to wish you all the best at your new club,” he said. “I also want to thank you for everything you taught me. I am thankful [for] all the opportunities and learning every day. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me.”
That suggestive last line now looks set to come true, with Ten Hag keen to make Antony the first signing of the summer at United. The possibility of Antony following his manager to the Premier League has long been mooted and is an exciting one for United fans.
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Antony has contributed 22 goals and 20 assists in 78 appearances for Ajax in total and will reinforce a position that has become something of a problem position for the club in recent years. Right wing has been an area of concern for United supporters for some time. The £73m signing of Jadon Sancho last summer is yet to work out, with the likes of Anthony Elanga, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood often filling in out-of-position under Ralf Rangnick.
Ten Hag clearly feels that Anthony is the answer to the problem. His interest in the Brazilian is no surprise, given the strength of his previous comments. Earlier this year, while he was still in the Ajax hot seat, the 52-year-old was asked about transfer interest in his star player.
"If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax," Ten Hag told De Telegraaf. "You have no one in the current squad who can take over his position. He is top class."
Later in the season, Ten Hag heaped yet more praise on the exciting forward. He said: "Without Antony, it is all a bit less fast and dynamic on the right, which also makes it more difficult for the team. Then the spaces become a lot smaller."
