Erik ten Hag has backed new signing Antony to "adapt" and justify his £86million transfer fee at Manchester United.
The Brazilian winger is in line to make his debut against Arsenal on Sunday following his record switch from Ajax earlier this week before the transfer deadline.
His arrival took United's spending above £230m this summer as Ten Hag brought in six new faces to bolster his squad, with the forward following Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia, as well as loanee Martin Dubravka.
Antony's price tag has no doubt brought added pressure on the 22-year-old, though his manager has faith the youngster can take it in his stride.
"He proved himself already. Champions League, Brazilian national team and Olympic gold medalist," Ten Hag told Football Daily. "Brazil has a number of players so high talented. You can select two or three teams and he can deal with the pressure. He will bring temperament and creativity.
"Also for him it is a new start and he has to adapt to the team, to the Premier League and to the high intensity. But I'm sure he will adapt."
Asked about whether the size of the transfer fee could impact Antony's performance, Ten Hag replied: "He can deal with that. He lives for football and enjoys it. He is focusing on that and to improve his game for the team. When he is doing that, performances will come."
Is Antony worth his £86million transfer fee? Let us know in the comments below.
Ten Hag worked with Antony previously at Ajax and the deal makes him the most profitable sale ever by a Dutch club, as well as United's second biggest transfer of all time after Paul Pogba.
He was one of Ten Hag's 'priority' signings this summer despite Ajax's reluctance to sell, with Antony eventually going on strike to force through a move to earn his switch to Old Trafford. He joins after contributing 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax.
Thursday's clash against Leicester was too early for Antony to be involved in United's squad having only officially completed his transfer that morning, but he stirred up excitement among fans by posting a picture of him watching the game on social media, writing "Let's go Man Utd."
While United fans are desperate to see their new man in action, Ajax are content with cashing in on the talented star, with manager Alfred Schreuder claiming the Red Devils have overpaid to sign him.
Schreuder told Ziggo Sport earlier this week: "Today, the amounts are crazy. Barcelona paid €115m (£99m) for [Ousmane] Dembele, Manchester United also paid more than €100m (£84m) for [Jadon] Sancho.
"Then you can pay that for him [Antony] too. Are the players worth it? No. But it will be paid."
