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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Manchester United transfer target Antony agrees with Matthijs de Ligt about Erik ten Hag

Ajax winger Antony has previously waxed lyrical about Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag's ability to improve every player that he works with, amid reports suggesting the Brazilian is closing in on a move to Old Trafford.

Antony, 22, has been heavily linked with a move to United over the last few months, long before Ten Hag, who United have taken from Ajax, was officially appointed as the club's new manager. United are keen to strengthen their right-wing options this summer and Antony has been identified as a player of interest.

According to reports overseas, United are close to 'reaching an agreement' with Ajax to sign the former Sao Paulo ace. It has been widely reported that his representatives have been in Europe this week to try and reach an agreement with the Old Trafford outfit.

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Therefore, if reports are to be believed, Antony could soon be reunited with Ten Hag and he could end United's search for a new winger. Should a deal materialise, it would almost certainly please the Brazilian, as he's made no secret of his admiration for Ten Hag.

"Every player under his guidance becomes a better footballer through his training," Antony told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "Since my arrival, he has given me a lot of confidence and believed in what I can do.

"I am grateful to him for that. I respect him very much."

Antony's comments about Ten Hag's ability to make players better under his management are identical to those of former Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. The defender, who is now at Juventus, also spent time at Ajax with Ten Hag, meaning he too is no stranger to his management style.

Currently on international duty with the Netherlands national team, De Ligt was recently asked about how he thinks Ten Hag will get on at United next season. Although he did not give too much away, he drew reference to the Dutchman's ability to improve players he gets the chance to work with.

He said: "He [Ten Hag] is someone who loves his job and he loves to work. He wants to do everything to make his team play better.

"He's really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer who improves players. He has a lot of qualities to succeed and we will have to see how he goes."

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