For the second time this summer, Erik ten Hag will link-up with one of his former Ajax players at Manchester United.
Earlier in the window, Lisandro Martinez followed Ten Hag from the Johan Cruyff Arena to Old Trafford, and another man has since made the switch from Amsterdam to Manchester.
On Thursday, United announced the signing of Brazil winger Antony from the Dutch club for a fee of around £85 million.
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Speaking to MUTV, Antony explained why he’s looking forward to working with Ten Hag again.
Antony said: “Erik ten Hag is an excellent coach. 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.”
In his time at Ajax, the 22-year-old scored 24 times, assisting 22 times in the 82 appearances and Antony believes that is heavily down to Ten Hag.
He said: “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.
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“Now I’m alongside him once again, I hope to make history and develop and grow further under his management.”
In a farewell video for Ten Hag put together by a number of current and former Ajax players back in May, Antony was highlighted by a number of people on social media where he said: “Know that I will always stand with you if you need me.”
The former Sao Paulo man is delighted to know his former manager worked ever so hard to bring him to Old Trafford.
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“[I am] 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 and looking forward to coming here and putting on this shirt.”
Antony continued: “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 his faith on the pitch by giving 100 per cent.”
With Ten Hag the man alongside the Ajax hierarchy who brought him to Europe, the duo enjoy a great relationship.
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On how he felt arriving at Ajax, Antony said: “When I arrived, I started settling in and getting to know people. 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 and 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.”
With Manchester United squads of recent years being well-known for losing their fight and throwing previous managers under the bus, Antony’s words will be very refreshing for United fans.
Antony didn’t just praise Ten Hag for how he is as a person though, speaking highly of his coaching abilities.
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He said: “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.”
Although Antony is raring to go in red, the wide man will have to wait for his debut having been registered on Thursday, meaning he will be unavailable for United’s clash against Leicester City at the King Power stadium.
The two-time Eredivisie winner will be available for selection for Sunday’s crunch game against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Topics: Manchester United, Antony, Erik Ten Hag
Aadam Haladh