Antony explains the key factor that convinced him to join Man United

Man United have finally signed Antony from Ajax, but why did the Brazilian want to join the Red Devils so badly?

Since his arrival at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag has made it his mission to sign the best players available. And despite a frustrating window, he has largely got there in the end. Initially, the Dutchman worked tirelessly to drag Frenkie de Jong away from Barcelona. But the midfielder elected to stay at Barcelona, and the 52-year-old had to look elsewhere.

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But Ten Hag didn’t give up hope. He set his sights on five-time Champions League winner, Casemiro, and he got the deal done. And on the dying day of this year’s transfer window, he’s signed Antony as well. These deals add to the arrivals of Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia, all of whom have established themselves as important players for the club.

The player, who has won two Eredivisie titles under the new United manager, looks set for Premier League success. The 22-year-old made huge waves at Ajax, leaving fans at the Johan Cruijff ArenA awestruck with his lightning pace and silky skills.

United parted with £85.4 million to bag the player on a seven-year contract. But the youngster will likely make their investment worthwhile, mostly because of his overwhelming desire to play for the club.

Antony explains why he wanted to play for Man United

As is tradition, when a new player arrives at the Theatre of Dreams, they sit down for their first interview. And on this occasion, the forward explained that he joined the club because of his respect for the manager.

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. 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 once again, I hope to make history and develop and grow further under his management.”

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He later elaborated on his previous experience with the gaffer.

The goal scorer reminisced: “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. It will be a privilege and an honour to be working with him again.”

Finally, after a long wait over the summer, Antony commented on his emotions once the move was complete.

It made him feel: “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.

“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.”

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