5 things spotted as Antony trains with Man Utd for first time since £86m transfer

Manchester United are preparing for their match against Arsenal this weekend after beating Leicester City, and a few fresh faces have been participating in training for the Red Devils.

Manchester United will look to make it four Premier League wins in a row when they visit Arsenal at Old Trafford this weekend.

The Red Devils enter the game after a narrow victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium to continue their recent resurgence under Erik ten Hag. United have not won four Premier League games in a row since April 2021 and will be desperate to do so, especially with a position in the top four on the line at the end of the weekend if results go their way.

Having said that, Ten Hag and his soldiers have been hard at work at Carrington in preparation for their showdown with the Gunners. Here are a few observations made by Mirror Sport during the Red Devils’ most recent training sessions.

1.Antony goes to the gym for the first time.

With the transfer market having closed, Ten Hag knows what team he will be able to call on until at least January. Antony, a Brazilian Wideman, was one of the club’s final recruits of the transfer season, joining for £86 million after months of talks between United and Ajax.

While it is unclear whether he will be available to face Arsenal, he is already getting into the swing of things with his new team. The Brazilian participated fully in pre-game training.

Erik Ten Hag feels Casemiro can instill a winning attitude in the rest of Manchester United’s squad.

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United manager Ten Hag has already made his decision on Antony and believes he will easily transition to the Premier League. “He’s already proven himself,” he remarked. Brazilian national team, Champions League, and Olympic gold medallist Brazil has a plethora of talented players. You can pick two or three teams, and he can handle the pressure. He will provide personality and creativity.

“It’s also a new beginning for him, and he has to adjust to the squad, the Premier League, and the high intensity.” But I’m confident he’ll adjust.”

2. Connection to Brazil

On the subject of Antony, the Brazilian arrives to the club to be greeted by a few familiar faces. His move to Manchester United reunites him with former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez.

He also now plays with fellow countryman Casemiro, who moved to Old Trafford earlier this summer. The pair appear to be developing an understanding after sharing a laugh and a smile on the Carrington training pitches.

3. Ronaldo is beaming.

While Antony and Casemiro joined the Red Devils this summer, Cristiano Ronaldo was eager to leave. The Portuguese forward requested a transfer, citing a lack of Champions League action as one of his main reasons for wanting out.

A number of clubs were connected with a move for the veteran striker, with Jorge Mendes doing his best to generate interest, but a deal proved too difficult to seal. Ronaldo remains a Manchester United player after the transfer window, but this does not appear to have dimmed his spirits.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus great smiled during training, possibly assisted by Robbie Savage’s remark that he should start against Arsenal this weekend after being placed on the bench against Leicester.

“This is a game where you start your great players,” he remarked. “If I were Erik ten Hag, I would start Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro.”

“Ronaldo’s effect in United’s 1-0 win over Leicester was excellent, and he’ll want to start against Arsenal.” Casemiro offers authority and poise, something United will need against a high-flying Arsenal.”

4. Dubravka is involved.

While deadline day was relatively quiet for the Red Devils, allowing for their journey to the King Power Stadium, the team did receive a new face. Martin Dubravka, a Slovakian goalkeeper, has agreed to a one-year loan at Old Trafford with the prospect of a permanent move.

The Newcastle United goalkeeper is scheduled to serve as a backup to regular number one David de Gea, but that hasn’t prevented him from getting his hands dirty – literally.

The goalkeeper, like Antony, was seen getting engaged in United’s preparations for their match against Arsenal. It seems unlikely that he will play this weekend, but if he is called upon, it is a good indication to see him getting up to speed.

5. Youngsters have the opportunity to shine.

In recent years, a number of young players have moved through Manchester United’s academy to play key roles in the first team, including Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga, and others, and that trend appears poised to continue under Ten Hag.

Kobbie Mainoo, Bjorn Hardley, Shola Shoretire, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Zidane Iqbal, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marc Jurado were all spotted taking part in training and could be given a place on the substitutes bench against Arsenal if they impress Ten Hag enough.