Antony admired one ‘phenomenon’ growing up and has two ‘close friends’ at Man Utd

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Manchester United winger Antony has candidly opened up about his “dream” encounter with his idol and his two ‘closest friends’ at Old Trafford.

Antony reunited with United manager Erik ten Hag after leaving Ajax in a whopping £86m deal in 2022, with the Brazil international still settling into life at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old Brazilian winger has faced mounting criticism over his fledgling United career so far, despite former Ajax boss Ten Hag keeping faith in him.

Antony has spoken highly of Ten Hag recently and how the 53-year-old Dutchman played an influential role in the “professional evolution” of his career.

The Brazil international has also broken his silence over the criticism that he has received so far at United, saying that it has been both “unfair and malicious.”

READ MORE: Paul Scholes reacts to Antony critique of club legends, sends him a message

Antony on meeting United idol Cristiano Ronaldo

During an interview with The United Stand, Antony opened up about his time at United and addressed the rumours surrounding a lack of team chemistry at the club.

Antony also spoke highly of Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he admired growing up and briefly played alongside at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo’s second spell at United came to an end only months after Antony’s arrival, with the Portugal captain publicly falling out with United boss Ten Hag.

Speaking on the United legend, Antony called Ronaldo a “phenomenon” and added that it was a “dream come true” when he met him.

“I grew up admiring Cristiano Ronaldo,” he told the fan-led United YouTube channel.

“This guy is a phenomenon! It was a dream come true when I met him.”

Antony on his ‘closest friends’ at United

Antony has made 14 appearances across all competitions for United this season, but the former Ajax star hasn’t found the back of the net or picked up an assist so far.

But the United star has started to win over his sceptics with his performances, which included impressing fans with his superb display against Galatasaray last month.

Speaking about his time at Old Trafford so far, Antony has warmed up to his United teammates and revealed that he is close with two players in particular.

When asked about United teammates whom he would consider as his ‘closest friends,’ he responded: “Casemiro and Diogo Dalot.”