Erik ten Hag has explained what qualities Antony will bring to Manchester United with the Dutchman being reunited with the Brazilian.
Having already signed Lisandro Martinez from his former employers Ajax, the 52-year-old identified Antony as his priority forward target for the summer transfer window.
After a long summer saga, not quite on Frenkie de Jong‘s level, the Red Devils completed the signing of the 22-year-old this morning.
Such was the Dutch giants reluctance in losing another of their star names, the nine-time Brazil international had to go on strike and publicly urge the Amsterdam side to let him secure his dream move, in order for the deal to come to fruition.
Ten Hag knows all about the South American having spent the previous two seasons with Ajax’s former number 11 having signed him from Sau Paulo in 2020.
Erik ten Hag explains what qualities Antony will bring to Manchester United
With Antony’s move officially completed, Manchester United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired hopes to have his new signing available for Sunday’s clash against league leaders Arsenal.
Ahead of tonight’s clash against Leicester City, Ten Hag was asked by the club’s in-house media what he believes Antony will bring to his Manchester United side.
Ten Hag said: “We signed him the first time he was in Europe and we supported him to find his way. From the first moment, he really impressed in terms of his football qualities and as a person.
“He’s a fighter and someone who has a real willingness to win games, I like that. He showed that from the first moment in Amsterdam, from the first game with the winning goal.
“That is what he always contributes to the team – a fighting spirit who makes actions and I expect the same from him here in Manchester.
“He’s a player with a winning mentality and someone who is creative. He likes to dribble, he sees the final pass, he can score a goal and I think the fans will be excited by him and the way he plays his game.”
From 82 games for Ajax, Antony scored 24 goals and registered 22 assists, averaging well over a goal involvement in every other game.
As Ten Hag mentioned, Antony scored on his Ajax debut and Manchester United fans will be hoping the skilful Brazilian can do the same for his new club.
Antony completes Manchester United move
Antony said: “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world. I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
“My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United.”
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