"It wasn't a crazy choice" - Erik ten Hag explains why Manchester United had to spend big to sign Antony from Ajax
Erik ten Hag recently explained why Manchester United spent a lumpsum amount of money to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022. The Red Devils reportedly spent £86 million to add the Brazilian winger to their ranks.
Antony, however, has failed to prove his worth in what has been a lackluster spell at Old Trafford. Ten Hag has now explained why the club signed the Brazilian, saying (via centredevils on X):
"When Mason Greenwood had problems, something had to be done, someone had to be bought. The number one on the scouts' list was Antony. He stood out in almost all of Ajax's Champions League matches, it wasn't a crazy choice."
Ten Hag added that Mason Greenwood was the first choice to play on the right while Jadon Sancho preferred to play on the left. He added:
"Mason Greenwood seemed like a candidate for that position. Other than that, we barely had anyone in that position. Jadon Sancho could potentially play on the right, but his most natural position was at the origin on the left."
Antony made a blockbuster debut for the Red Devils, scoring against Arsenal at Old Trafford. However, his importance for Manchester United has since dropped and the winger has failed to showcase the form he displayed at Ajax.
He made 38 appearances in the 2023-24 season across all competitions, scoring only three times and providing two assists.
Comparing Antony's form at Ajax and Manchester United
Antony played 82 games for Ajax during his stint at the Eredivisie club, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists. He was often a menace to deal with due to his trickery on the right-hand side.
He has played the same number of games since his move to Old Trafford but the numbers produced by the Brazilian are starkly different from what he did for Ajax. Antony has scored 11 goals and has provided five assists so far for the club.
He hasn't been able to torment defenders the way he used to at Ajax. Antony has been on the receiving end of widespread criticism and his humongous price tag has been constantly questioned.