Antony prepared mentally for United challenge

The Brazil international took only 35 minutes to find the net on his debut, opening the scoring against Arsenal in a blockbusting 3-1 victory over the early leaders.

While a period of adaptation is normal for footballers coming into the league, the 22-year-old feels he has settled quickly and, of course, will be helped by already playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.

Due to his exertions in training, the South American is confident he can build on his promising start to life as a Red.

"Training is very different but I'd prepared for it mentally," he told club media during an exclusive interview at Old Trafford recently. "I knew how intense it would be as I've always followed the Premier League. I knew how intense the games were and have prepared and trained a lot to be at 100 per cent as soon as possible.

"The team are part of an excellent squad so we have got to know each other and established an understanding to reach this level and develop our football. We are getting to know each other better each day, game by game, so that this harmony can flow and it all works out."

Antony's feels happy integrating with his new colleagues and the current time in France with Brazil team-mates Casemiro and Fred will ensure more continuity on this front, with challenges to come at home and abroad in a jam-packed October schedule.

"I'm enjoying it, it's the first few weeks but I've already discovered a few Brazilian restaurants," he said of his new Manchester home. "I went with Casemiro. We're settling in the city. I'm already adapting well here at the club. The people have made me feel really welcome and I'm feeling at home. We're settling in well in Manchester.

"I'm really happy to be with friends and working together here and with the Selecao. It's a great feeling. It actually makes the settling in easier, not just with the team-mates but all the other players have given me a warm welcome and this has really helped me to adapt."