Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has set the record straight regarding Antony’s summer transfer from Ajax.
Antony joined United late in the transfer window in an £86 million deal, making him the club’s most expensive signing after Paul Pogba.
Since joining United, Antony has shown United fans what they have been missing for so many years on the right wing. The wily attacker has managed three goals for the Red Devils in the Premier League.
Antonio’s departure from Ajax was far from harmonious.
Ajax repeatedly rejected United’s offers for the Brazilian before the player went on strike to force a move to Old Trafford. They argued that United had been too late for Antony and that there was no time to find a replacement.
Antony refused to show up for training and even made an explosive statement to Fabrizio Romano, pleading with the Eredivisie champions to allow him to meet Ten Hag.
He eventually got his wish and secured the transfer, even scoring on his Premier League debut against Arsenal.
Ten Hag told Voetbal International about Antony’s transfer: “Anthony’s departure could not have been a surprise for Ajax. In January they already knew that he would leave in the summer ”.
“We had three names on the shortlist for the right-forward role, he was already on the Manchester United shortlist before I arrived.”
Ten Hag: “Antony’s departure could not be a surprise for Ajax. In January they already knew that he would leave in the summer. We had three names on the list for the right forward position, he was already on the list at Manchester United before for me to arrive.” [vi] pic.twitter.com/5WjumRXaia
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“Antony’s management was very clear for Ajax [in January]. They said: ‘In 6 months, Antony will make a transfer.’
Ten Hag: “Antony’s management was very clear for Ajax [in January]. They said: ‘In 6 months, Antony will make a transfer.’ Then we started working to get another Brazilian to replace Antony and Steven Bergwijn.” [vi] pic.twitter.com/pHgYzqBS2q
— ???????????? ???????????????? ???? (@TheEuropeanLad) December 21, 2022
The Dutch coach added that when Ajax received the communication from Antony’s agents, they started working on the replacements immediately.
They explored a deal for another Brazilian who would come as Antony’s replacement.
Ajax club bosses have also accelerated talks to sign former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn.
