Erik ten Hag was vetoed by the Manchester United board over his attempts to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
Ten Hag oversaw a busy transfer window at Old Trafford with Ziyech viewed as a potential alternative to Antony, whose arrival at United was confirmed on Thursday, having agreed an £85million fee with Ajax earlier this week.
The Brazil international signed a five-year deal until 2027, to become the club’s fifth signing of the summer as Ten Hag continued to overhaul his new squad following his appointment at the end of last season. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka joined from Newcastle on a season-long loan deal later in the day.