Owen Hargreaves believes one of the reasons why Erik ten Hag has signed Antony is because of his ability to press from the front.
The nine-cap Brazil international, 22, has joined Manchester United from Ajax in an £85million deal. Antony is one of six players to sign for United this summer, with the others being Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Martin Dubravka.
Antony is expected to give Ten Hag's side plenty of quality in attacking positions after scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 23 Eredivisie games last term. Yet he's also expected to help United press teams into submission over the coming nine months.
"He is a proper Brazilian, flair player," ex-United star Hargreaves told BT Sport. "One thing that people don’t know about him is that he is brilliant on the press from the front. He can initiate the press and the one thing we love about a Brazilian player, is entertainment.
"He gives you a bit of entertainment, and I think the United fans are going to love him. But I think he is going to be a fantastic player, because he gives you goals, assists and tricks. The one thing he has is a good personality, but winning the ball high is his most impressive attribute and that is evident in the way ten Hag likes to play and press."
Antony, who joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in July 2020, scored 25 goals in all competitions during his two-year spell in the Netherlands. Most of that was spent playing under Ten Hag, with the two working together to win two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup.
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"This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world," Antony told United's website after completing his transfer on deadline day. "I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and team-mates, because I could not have got here without them.
"Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
"My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United."
United's football director John Murtough added: "Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik is building.
"We have been especially impressed by his desire to join Manchester United, and to be part of a long-term project to get the club back to the levels of performance we all expect."
United's other deadline day signing was goalkeeper Dubravka, who arrived from Premier League rivals Newcastle on a season-long loan deal. United have the option to sign the Slovakia international, 33, on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign.
