Erik ten Hag told new signings Tyrell Malacia and Antony to go easy on each other in Manchester United training.
Malacia was the former Ajax manager’s first Manchester United signing after the Red Devils hijacked the left-back’s proposed move to Lyon and signed the Netherlands international from Feyenoord.
Following the arrivals of Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, Antony became Ten Hag’s fifth summer signing and the Brazilian was joined by Martin Dubravka to complete United’s summer business.
Since making their moves to Old Trafford, both Malacia and Antony have already established themselves as regulars in Ten Hag’s starting line-up.
Erik ten Hag told Tyrell Malacia and Antony to go easy on each other in training
During last season’s Eredivisie clash between Ajax and Feyenoord, Antony and Malacia came directly up against one and other.
Such was Malacia’s impressive performance, Ten Hag was pictured instructing his then-assistant manager Michael Reiziger to keep an eye on Malacia after he constantly nullified the threat of Antony.
But instead of coming up against one and other yet again, the duo have been signed by Ten Hag to play crucial roles in his Manchester United rebuild.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Malacia was asked about his performance against Antony and how that display caught Ten Hag’s eye and resulted in him joining Manchester United.
United’s number 12 said: “When he [Antony] arrived [at Manchester United] the first thing the coach said was ‘guys easy on each other’.
“He’s [Antony] a good player and I love to play against him, and now I play with him which is fantastic.”
Antony and Malacia will be hoping to get their first experience of playing in a Manchester derby when the twenty-time league champions travel to the Etihad Stadium on 2 October.
Ten Hag will come up against Pep Guardiola who he worked alongside during their time together at Bayern Munich.
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