Man United has paid £84m for Ajax’s Brazilian winger Antony, but as the fee raised eyebrows, boss Erik ten Hag was adamant about getting him. But why?
Erik ten Hag’s struggle with the challenge he faces at Manchester United is intriguing to see.
The Dutchman is working on three fronts: developing a better culture based on hard effort, teamwork, belief, and expectation; imposing his football philosophy on the club while also achieving results.
In that case, the manager feels Antony, who United purchased from Ajax for £84 million following a lengthy search, would help him achieve all of those goals. Even among United fans, the huge amount has aroused eyebrows, not least since the club initially protested at the asking price before agreeing to pay it.
So, what will Antony bring to United, and why was Ten Hag so anxious to recruit the 22-year-old Brazilian?
Among other factors, Ten Hag desires more than just goals and assists from his protégé. He has the coveted ‘press-resistance,’ which means he can keep the ball high up the field, allowing other players to join in on the assault.
Antony is in the top 5% of attacking midfielders in the big five European leagues for completing passes under pressure and touches of the ball, rarely miscontrolling or being dispossessed, and he links efficiently with those around him.
His speed and acceleration make him a constant threat, and he carries the ball well with an end product, whether it’s shoots or passes into the penalty area.
Antony works extremely hard while he is not in possession. Only five players in the Eredivisie won possession in the final third more often than him.
Ten Hag has also refused to rule out further additions ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, stating that the club will remain “alert until the very last second of the window.”
In 47 games, he scored 21 goals and assisted on 15 others and his appearance is ‘unlikely but not impossible.’ But statistics aren’t everything for Ten Hag. In a difficult scenario at United, the manager is confident Antony understands his expectations and system. He can pick up where he left off with the player in Holland.
Despite the continuous disappointment of failing to persuade Frenkie de Jong to join United from Barcelona, the strategy is beginning to take shape at United.