Ajax ace Antony looks set to be Erik ten Hag’s first signing as Manchester United boss despite putting off other suitors by behaving ‘like an idiot’.
The Brazilian has been one of the standout performers last season, having scored 12 goals and assisted eight in 33 appearances as he helped an Ajax side led by Ten Hag secure the Eredivisie title.
And now, it looks likely that Ten Hag will bring him along to Old Trafford as he starts to build his squad for the season ahead.
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The Sun has reported that United representatives travelled to Amsterdam in a bid to finalise a £40 million deal that will make Antony the first signing of the Ten Hag era.
Although there is no questioning Antony’s quality, there are doubts over his behaviour, with other clubs believed to have been put off by his temperament.
The tricky winger was sent off during Ajax’s 3-2 win over rivals Feyenoord back in March. Antony scored in the 87th minute and got booked after taking off his shirt as he charged towards the fans and stood on the advertising boards.
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He then picked up a second yellow in the 95th minute and saw red.
Former Dutch international Rene van der Gijp has said that the incident showed Antony’s immaturity which may limit his choices when it comes to moving clubs.
He said: “Suppose we are in the stands together as a scout for Manchester City or Liverpool… And we are looking at Antony, what do you think we would say when we come back on Monday?”
“We will not take that. You don’t see a Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane or Mohamed Salah doing this. Then you can say: he is young, but it can also get crazier.” Van der Gijp said.
Another former Netherlands international, Wim Kieft echoed Van der Gijp’s thoughts.
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He said: “He is not that young anymore, because he has been doing this for two years. Such a boy cannot be calmed by a coach, in the end.”
Kieft added: “Ten Hag will of course never say that Antony behaves like an idiot, but he thinks so. In general, this behaviour is addressed in the locker room, then someone says: hey, what are you doing?”
In total, Antony has made 78 appearances for Ajax since joining from Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo, scoring 22 goals and has 20 assists.
United fans will hope that Antony will be first of many new signings as they expect the club to add more quality to the squad after a dismal 21/22 campaign.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Antony, Ajax, Manchester United, Liverpool, Football, Eredivisie, Premier League
