Revealed: The doubts Man Utd had over Antony

Karan Tejwani

3 Sept 2022 19:45 BST
3 min read

Manchester United completed the signing of Antony last week after weeks of negotiations between them and Ajax over the Brazilian’s future.

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The deal was the biggest transfer of the summer with a total package of €100 million - €95 million in a straight fee, with €5 million in add-ons in the future.

Ajax previously rejected two bids for him, worth €80 million and €90 million, and held out for the €100 million fee, which they demanded late in the transfer window.

Despite Erik ten Hag overseeing his development over the last two years at Ajax and knowing his qualities, there were doubts over his signing by those at Manchester United.

Ten Hag had big say on transfers

According to The Athletic, there were doubts within the club over Antony due to his size and dependence on instinct, with a few of the staff believing that was a problem for the team.

Within the club, those that watched him believed his dribbling style may be susceptible to the league’s physicality and that could’ve hampered his progress and effect on the team.

However, the recruitment team eventually gave Ten Hag their full backing for the signing, believing that his experiences with the player would make up for the limitations.

Ten Hag’s knowledge of the player proved to be vital in getting the deal over the line and Manchester United backed the signing after his recommendations for the right-wing position.

Look who's here! 👀

👋 @Antony00 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/cdjyIZqbvY
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2022

Joel Glazer also sanctioned the transfer – and high fee – after seeing how much Antony wanted to join the club having skipped training and Eredivisie matches for Ajax.

Edwin van der Sar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper who is now Ajax’s General Manager, also held talks with the club to get the deal over the line.

Antony could make his debut in Sunday afternoon’s match against Arsenal, and he has been given the number 21 for the club, previously worn by Edinson Cavani.