/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/02/04/3880159-78836108-2560-1440.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67131045/1261725039.jpg.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66321622/1206682849.jpg.0.jpg)
‘Like a son to me’ – Erik ten Hag refuses to rule out reunion with Manchester United star
Ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag likened Antony to his ‘son’ amid suggestions he could once again swoop for the Brazil winger. Antony reignited his career on loan at Real Betis in the second half of last season after slipping further down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. Erik ten Hag coached Antony at both Ajax and Manchester UnitedGetty The Dutchman is preparing for his first season in charge of Bayer LeverkusenGetty Ten Hag, who took over as Bayer Leverkusen head coach this summer replacing Xabi Alonso, has signed the winger twice during his managerial career. The Dutchman plucked Antony out of Sao Paulo in 2020 to sign for Ajax and then again in 2022 when the Brazilian signed for Manchester United in an £86million deal. With such a track record between the pair, Ten Hag was forced to address rumours that he could soon be reunited with the winger. “He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me, he still is a son to me,” Ten hag told German outlet BILD. Antony is currently one of five players training separately from the Manchester United squad as they look to find new clubs for the forthcoming season. The 25-year-old put himself firmly in the shop window during his LaLiga spell as he helped fire Betis to the UEFA Conference League final. With Betis devoid of the finances needed to make the move permanent, Antony remains in limbo over his future. A second loan at Betis cannot be ruled out whilst the window remains open, with Antony believed to have admirers across the continent having scored nine goals in 26 games during his six month spell in Andalusia. Multiple clubs have shown an interest in the winger including Brighton and RB Leipzig, however Ten Hag revealed that now is not the right time for Leverkusen to declare their interest. The Dutch coach, however, has not ruled out a future move. Ten Hag was responsible for bringing Antony to EuropeGetty Antony scored on his Man United debut against Arsenal in 2022Getty He added: “We’re not interested in him at the moment, but we’ll see what happens in the future.” Despite the player’s overall dismal spell at Old Trafford, his best form for the Red Devils came in the early stages following his blockbuster move. Antony introduced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a goal on his debut against Arsenal in a 3-1 win in September 2022. There were sprinklings of form as the season wore on and while struggling to hold down a place in Ten Hag’s starting XI, the winger appeared happy in his surroundings. However, as Ten Hag’s grip as United boss began to slip, so did Antony’s stint at the club. This was finalised by the appointment of Amorim last November, who made it clear that he would not be counting on the Brazilian. Antony reignited his career during a successful six-month spell at Real BetisGetty During their time together at both Ajax and Manchester United, Antony featured under Ten Hag 166 times. He has played 96 times for United in total – scoring 12 goals and registering five assists. His efforts have seen him lift both the FA Cup and League Cup during his three years at the club.
Ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag likened Antony to his ‘son’ amid suggestions he could once again swoop for the Brazil winger.
Antony reignited his career on loan at Real Betis in the second half of last season after slipping further down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim.
Ten Hag, who took over as Bayer Leverkusen head coach this summer replacing Xabi Alonso, has signed the winger twice during his managerial career.
The Dutchman plucked Antony out of Sao Paulo in 2020 to sign for Ajax and then again in 2022 when the Brazilian signed for Manchester United in an £86million deal.
With such a track record between the pair, Ten Hag was forced to address rumours that he could soon be reunited with the winger.
“He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me, he still is a son to me,” Ten hag told German outlet BILD.
Antony is currently one of five players training separately from the Manchester United squad as they look to find new clubs for the forthcoming season.
The 25-year-old put himself firmly in the shop window during his LaLiga spell as he helped fire Betis to the UEFA Conference League final.
With Betis devoid of the finances needed to make the move permanent, Antony remains in limbo over his future.
A second loan at Betis cannot be ruled out whilst the window remains open, with Antony believed to have admirers across the continent having scored nine goals in 26 games during his six month spell in Andalusia.
Multiple clubs have shown an interest in the winger including Brighton and RB Leipzig, however Ten Hag revealed that now is not the right time for Leverkusen to declare their interest.
The Dutch coach, however, has not ruled out a future move.
He added: “We’re not interested in him at the moment, but we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Despite the player’s overall dismal spell at Old Trafford, his best form for the Red Devils came in the early stages following his blockbuster move.
Antony introduced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a goal on his debut against Arsenal in a 3-1 win in September 2022.
There were sprinklings of form as the season wore on and while struggling to hold down a place in Ten Hag’s starting XI, the winger appeared happy in his surroundings.
However, as Ten Hag’s grip as United boss began to slip, so did Antony’s stint at the club.
This was finalised by the appointment of Amorim last November, who made it clear that he would not be counting on the Brazilian.
During their time together at both Ajax and Manchester United, Antony featured under Ten Hag 166 times.
He has played 96 times for United in total – scoring 12 goals and registering five assists.
His efforts have seen him lift both the FA Cup and League Cup during his three years at the club.
