Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag knows new big-money signing Antony very well from their time together at Ajax.
Ten Hag was asked by Sky Sports whether Antony could cope with the demands of moving to Old Trafford with such great expectations.
The Dutchman seems in no doubt that the wideman has the ability and the temperament to make a success of his big move.
He was effusive in his praise of the Brazilian, who he says has proven his quality already ahead of his United debut, which could come tomorrow against Arsenal.
Ten Hag has no doubts over Antony
“He has proved himself already,” said Ten Hag of Antony.
“Champions League, Brazilian national team, Olympic gold medal. Brazil has a number of highly talented players so they can select two or three good teams. So he can deal with pressure.
“So he will bring temperament and creativity. Also, for him it’s a new start and he has to adapt to the team and to the Premier League and to high intensity. I’m sure he will adapt.
“He can deal with that pressure. He lives for football. He so enjoys football and he focused on that to improve his game and for the team. When he is doing that, the performances will come.”
Ten Hag has made a point of surrounding himself with players he knows well since taking over at United, signing Lisandro Martinez as well.
He also wanted Frenkie de Jong, but that fruitless pursuit arguably prevented United signing Antony sooner and for a cheaper price.
A large chunk of United’s summer budget was ringfenced for de Jong and it was not clear how much would be left for other arrivals.
After losing at Brentford and United giving up on de Jong, they had more money to go and get other targets, and Antony was the most expensive of the lot.
That will bring plenty of pressure and expectation but Ten Hag feels the player is capable of dealing with it and thriving.
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