Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag allegedly attempted to prevent Antony's transfer to the club, but his concerns were disregarded.

In 2022, Erik ten Hag reportedly tried to prevent the Red Devils from signing Antony for £85 million (approximately KSh 15 billion).

However, his attempts were ignored because they feared Arsenal would sign him from Ajax. Antony was one of the most exciting right-wingers in Europe then.

When Man United hired the Dutch tactician, he brought two of his former players to the Premier League: Antony and Lisandro Martinez.

After a brilliant start to the season, including a goal in his debut against Arsenal, Antony's form regressed significantly after his first season.

He never recovered in his second season, and in the 2024/25 season, he was out of favour.

Contrary to reports suggesting he played a pivotal role in Antony's transfer, Erik ten Hag, according to Kees Vos, the co-founder of Ten Hag's agency, via the Mirror, never wanted to sign the player and even attempted to block the move.

Reports suggest that Arsenal were interested in signing the winger, while the Red Devils were determined to ensure the move went through at any cost.

He has registered 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Premier League club and will likely leave permanently in the summer transfer window.

He joined Real Betis on loan and nearly helped them lift a European trophy.

Antony struggled to secure a regular starting spot during Erik ten Hag's first season in charge and continued to face challenges in getting minutes during his third season at the club.

Amid his good run at Real Betis, Antony opened up on his difficult time at Man United.

"I went through difficult times [at United] when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn't take it any more...Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room," he told TNT Sports Brazil.

Antony is Manchester United's second-most-expensive player and will likely be remembered as one of their worst signings.

Earlier, reported that Erik ten Hag could sign Alejandro Garnacho and Antony after becoming Bayer Leverkusen boss.

The Dutchman has replaced Xabi Alonso at the club and is trying to bolster their attack, with Florian Wirtz expected to leave.

Antony played 87 games under Erik ten Hag at Man United and scored 12 goals.

Source: TUKO.co.ke