Antony: It's an honour to play for Ten Hag again

Thursday 01 September 2022 11:00

New signing Antony has paid an emotional tribute to Erik ten Hag and thanked his former Ajax manager for bringing him to Manchester United.

The Brazil international has signed a long-term contract to become our fifth recruit of the summer following the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.

During an excellent signing interview to mark his arrival, Antony speaks passionately about the role that Ten Hag has played in his career so far and emphasises his ongoing respect for the boss.

The pair have a strong relationship after Ten Hag previously signed Antony from Sao Paulo for Ajax in 2020. Together, they won two Eredivisie titles and shone in the Champions League.

Now, they are reunited at Old Trafford and our new 22-year-old attacker admits he will be eternally grateful for the faith his manager continues to show in his abilities.
Antony | The signing interview Video

Antony | The signing interview

When you watch Antony's signing interview, you'll understand why Erik ten Hag loves him as both a player and a person...

“Erik ten Hag is an excellent coach,” says Antony in our big interview. “I’ve got tremendous respect and affection for him. From the moment I arrived at Ajax he treated me so well and put his faith in me. It’s not by chance I had such a great run of form under him for two years. 

“We developed this mutual trust and closeness. He's a manager I have respect and affection for – when I found out he was moving here, I wished him all the best and all the success he deserves.

“Now I'm alongside him again, I hope to make history, develop and grow further under his management.”
Expanding on his flourishing connection with Ten Hag, Antony emphasises how the Dutchman got the best out of him at Ajax after getting to know him as both a player and person. 

“When I arrived, I started settling in and getting to know people,” says Antony.

“Erik got to know me and knows what I'm like. He knows what my daily work is like, how I train, how I give 100 per cent in games and this trust grew and developed. His confidence in me grew as he got to know me better.

“I'm really happy and grateful to see his confidence in my game from my time at Ajax. He knew what type of person I was, my work ethic. I'm really grateful and Erik has all my respect and affection and it will be a privilege and an honour to be working with him again.  

“What stands out about him for me is his intelligence. His tactical knowledge, game strategy, attacking play and pressing game that I know very well after working with him for two years. 

“With Erik's style, I was always watching Manchester United from home and I could see this style and see myself here working with him again. What really stands out about Erik is his intelligence.”

Asked how it makes him feel to know Ten Hag fought so hard for him, Antony concludes: “Really, really, really grateful and happy.

“I embraced him just now and thanked him in person for believing in my signing. I was really excited, looking forward to coming here and putting on this shirt.

“I'm grateful for the faith and confidence from Erik, not just Erik but all the directors here at Manchester United. I feel really grateful and happy and rest assured I will repay this faith on the pitch by giving 100 per cent.”  

More on our fifth summer signing: