Antony, the Brazilian winger currently on loan from Manchester United, has publicly praised his former manager Erik ten Hag, expressing deep gratitude for the Dutchman’s guidance during their time together at both Ajax and Old Trafford. The 24-year-old’s heartfelt comments come amidst a challenging period in his career, as he seeks to regain form and confidence away from the Premier League giants.
In a recent interview, Antony reflected on his relationship with Ten Hag, who coached him at Ajax before bringing him to Manchester United in a high-profile £85 million transfer in 2022. “Erik ten Hag is a coach I’m very grateful to,” Antony said. “He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn’t come the way I wanted to. But that’s the coach’s choice, I don’t hold any grudges or anything. On the contrary, I’m very thankful for him.”
Antony’s time at Manchester United has been turbulent, with inconsistent performances and limited playing time under Ten Hag drawing scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. Despite the lack of minutes, Antony emphasized that he harbors no ill feelings toward his former manager, acknowledging the significant role Ten Hag played in his development. “He has been super important to me,” Antony added, echoing sentiments he expressed as far back as 2022 when he first joined United.
Ten Hag, who was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 after a poor start to the 2024-25 Premier League season, had a notable impact during his two-year tenure at Old Trafford. The Dutchman led the club to Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs, though his recruitment decisions, including the signing of Antony, faced criticism for inconsistent returns. Despite this, Antony’s comments highlight the personal connection and professional respect he maintains for Ten Hag.
The winger’s gratitude also stems from their successful stint together at Ajax, where Antony flourished under Ten Hag’s management, earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising talents. His move to United, however, has yet to yield the same level of success, with injuries and competition for places limiting his impact. Now on loan, Antony is reportedly focused on proving his worth, with Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, having overseen a squad overhaul that saw Antony and other high-profile players like Marcus Rashford depart temporarily.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been linked with a return to management, with recent reports suggesting interest from Serie A giants Juventus. Since his departure from United, the 55-year-old has kept a relatively low profile, though he recently broke his silence, admitting he misses Old Trafford and remains open to future opportunities in football.