£70m-hero tells Erik ten Hag to call his agents after being quizzed over Manchester United move
Manchester United had a long-running bid to sign Brazilian winger Antony from Ajax earlier this summer. A £70m price tag [The Times] appears to have put United off.
Antony has made an excellent start to the season with Ajax, showing Erik ten Hag what he was missing with a dazzling performance in the 6-1 win at the weekend.
He has two goals and two assists in three games to start the season, and after the weekend win Antony was asked about Manchester United.
Antony insisted he was happy at Ajax, but also urged Erik ten Hag to contact his agents.
Antony spoke to Voetbal Primeur after the match when journalists asked him about the Manchester United manager.
He said: “I learned a lot from him. When he left, I sent him a message to thank him personally. I can certainly build on what he taught me.”
The 22-year-old was asked what would happen if he received a call from Ten Hag to join Manchester United.
He replied, “I have no idea, you have to talk to my agents. I’m concentrating on the here and now. Let what comes come, we’ll see.
“At the moment, I feel good here. I love this country and I feel at home here.
“I do everything for this club every day, every minute, every second. When I’m not playing, I love the city and the beach. I have learned to love the city and the club.
Ajax’s fear was that Antoine would strike to try and get his signature through. They don’t seem to have to worry about that anymore. He has too much admiration for the Dutch team to leave in this way.
Although Antony is inviting Ten Hag to speak to his agents, it is likely that the coach will not be able to influence this situation.
The decision on the player’s transfer is a financial one, and it seems that United will not pay Ajax’s asking price.
According to the Eindhoven Dagblad, Erik ten Hag has already been in contact with PSV striker Cody Gakpo in an attempt to sign him, so it is possible that the United manager has changed his target.
