Back in late August, Ajax knew they were facing a losing battle to stop Antony joining Manchester United.
Manager Alfred Schreuder attempted to publicly persuade Antony to stay by reminding him he could play Champions League football at Ajax.
Now just two months on, his comments have backfired spectacularly with Ajax already eliminated from the competition with a game to spare.
Schreuder’s Manchester United Champions League taunt
Schreuder was appointed as Erik ten Hag’s replacement in the summer and saw his predecessor raid Ajax for Lisandro Martinez, and eventually, Antony.
He had attempted to prevent the sale of Antony, by claiming the Dutch club had a sporting advantage over United.
Schreuder was quoted by The Mail: “We are playing Champions League football. I don’t think Manchester United are playing Champions League football.”
Ajax have since flopped heavily in the Champions League this season, losing four out of five matches played.
This even included a 6-1 home defeat to Napoli, and last night they were beaten 3-0 at home to Liverpool.
Ajax could even drop to fourth spot if they are heavily beaten by Rangers in the final game, although the most likely outcome is they finish in third and enter the Europa League.
A future match-up with Manchester United in the competition could also be in Ajax’s future. This is a tie they won’t relish.
Schreuder, if he is still in charge by then, really could have to eat his words, if he is not already regretting them.
Antony signed with United a week after his comments, and has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in the Premier League already.
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