Antony is closing in on completing his move to Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano last night reported ‘here we go’ on a deal being agreed in principle.
This is a move Manchester United have pushed for all summer, and while the fee is a high one, Antony could be worth it.
Erik ten Hag knows how to use him, signing him for Ajax from Sao Paulo. It is thanks to the Dutchman that Antony has been so desperate to sign for United.
Antony is not the only signing Manchester United need, but he is going to be a crucial one. Forget the price, the team will be better for having him available.
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Antony could transform Manchester United
Erik ten Hag knows only too well what the difference having Antony, and not. The winger’s injury in late March created real problems for Ajax.
Ajax were a team of talented players, but Antony was the missing piece which made them tick. Instead of smashing past teams on their way to win the Eredivisie title, Ajax limped over the line without Antony with a run of slender one-goal margin victories. They also lost the KNVB Cup final to PSV.
Quoted by FCUpdate in early May, Ten Hag admitted it was harder to play his preferred style of football without the Brazilian.
He said: “We all miss him. Without Antony it is all a bit less fast and dynamic on the right, which also makes it more difficult for the team. Then the spaces become a lot smaller.”
Ten Hag’s position is clear, his teams are better with Antony in him, stretching the play with his speed and unpredictability.
Manchester United’s attack has not exactly clicked this season so far, despite the two back to back wins. The team have scored only four goals in four games.
Antony had a transformational effect on Ajax, beyond just goals and assists, he made them a better team. Manchester United can benefit in the same way.
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