Manchester United have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign Brazilian international Antony, meaning he is set to be reunited with former manager Erik ten Hag.
The 22-year-old, who arrived in Manchester on Monday, will join United, subject to passing a medical, finalising personal terms and securing international clearance. He will join the club in a deal worth up to €100million (£85.5m), making him their second-most-expensive signing in their history, just behind Paul Pogba.
As has been well documented throughout the summer, United have been desperate to add to their wide options and Antony has always been deemed as Ten Hag's top target. The Brazilian developed at a rapid rate of knots under Ten Hag following his arrival at Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020.
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Antony instantly benefitted from Ten Hag's approach, going from strength-to-strength in a very short space of time. Therefore, it was unsurprising that the winger, following confirmation of Ten Hag's appointment as United manager back in April, issued a heartfelt message to the Dutchman, vowing to be reunited with him if he was ever needed by him.
"I want to wish you all the best at your new club," said Antony. "I also want to thank you for everything you taught me.
"I am thankful [for] all the opportunities and learning every day. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me."
It is now clear that Antony meant every word he said, recently going on strike at Ajax in his quest to force through a move to Old Trafford. He has not trained over the past week or so and was not included in the Ajax squad for the recent wins over Sparta Rotterdam and FC Utrecht.
The Brazilian, who is left-footed and renowned for his silky skills, is a big fan of Ten Hag's methods and made no secret of waxing lyrical about them in the past. He will now be hoping to continue his development at Old Trafford.
"Every player under his guidance becomes a better footballer through his training," Antony told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "Since my arrival, he has given me a lot of confidence and believed in what I can do.
"I am grateful to him for that. I respect him very much."
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