Antony: Erik ten Hag Explains His Stance on Signing Manchester United Flop for Leverkusen
- Erik ten Hag has shared his stance on a possible transfer of his former player, Antony, to his new club, Bayer Leverkusen
- The Brazilian is surplus to requirements at Manchester United after poor performances in the last two seasons
- Erik ten Hag brought Antony to Old Trafford in 2022 as the club's second-most expensive player after Paul Pogba
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Antony is among five Manchester United players told to leave Manchester United, and his former boss, Erik ten Hag, has discussed Bayer Leverkusen's stance on the winger.
Source: Getty Images
Antony arrived at Man United in 2022 with Erik ten Hag and was viewed as the long-term answer for their right wing, which had been neglected for years.
Despite an incredible start, the Brazilian's performances significantly regressed, causing him to fall down the pecking order.
What happened to Antony?
Antony was one of the most sought-after wingers in 2022, following eye-catching performances at Ajax.
His impressive displays caught the attention of Erik ten Hag and Man United, who made him the club's second-most expensive signing at the time.
He scored in his first three matches and scored just one more goal for the rest of the 2022/23 season. In his second season, he scored one Premier League goal and never found the net again.
He has five goals in 63 Premier League appearances. He was brilliant on loan at Real Betis.
“If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality. Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United," Antony said.
“I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good ones," the Brazilian added.
He has 12 goals in all competitions and will leave as one of the club's worst signings.
Will Erik ten Hag sign Antony?
Erik ten Hag was appointed by Bayer Leverkusen in May to replace Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid.
Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford have been linked with a move to the Bundesliga side to reunite with the Dutchman.
The former Ajax tactician said they are not planning on signing Antony.
"He has great quality. I signed him twice," he said via MEN. "He was like a son to me, he still is a son to me. We're not interested in him at the moment, but we'll see what happens in the future."
Source: Getty Images
The 25-year-old first worked with Ten Hag when he joined Ajax in 2020 from São Paulo, two years before his Old Trafford move. He last played for the Red Devils on January 19.
Was Antony Man United's worst signing?
The 13-time Premier League champions spent 95 million euros (KSh 14.3 billion) to sign Antony from Ajax. Paul Pogba remains the club's most expensive signing.
Mason Mount has failed to perform at Old Trafford after joining in 2023, mainly due to injuries. Casemiro struggled early last season before bouncing back to finish the season strongly.
The Brazilian will likely leave as a free agent next year.
Jadon Sancho was one of the best wingers in the world when he joined Man United in 2021, but he has flopped. He went on loan in Germany and Chelsea but failed to recapture his spark.
Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria, Romelu Lukaku, and Donny van de Beek are other players considered the worst signings.
Antony opens up on Man United struggles
In a related report, TUKO.co.ke reported that Antony opened up on his struggles at Old Trafford.
He said he couldn't take it anymore and would go days without eating. he was also nit able to play with his son.
He enjoyed his loan spell at Real Betis, but he is unlikely to return to the Spanish club.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
