In a recent interview with BILD, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shed light on his relationship with former player Antony and the emerging rumours linking the winger with German club Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag, who has previously described Antony as being “like a son,” confirmed his admiration for the player’s abilities.
Ten Hag’s Journey with Antony
The connection between Erik ten Hag and Antony first flourished at Ajax. Ten Hag played a crucial role in nurturing Antony’s talent and showcased unwavering confidence in the Brazilian winger by signing him twice in his managerial career. Their bond extended beyond mere player-manager dynamics, as Ten Hag revealed Antony was “like a son to me, he still is a son to me.”
Antony’s Manchester United Journey
Antony currently plays for Manchester United in the Premier League, having been signed by Ten Hag to bolster the Red Devils’ squad with his creative flair and goal-scoring abilities. Despite the ups and downs of settling into one of the world’s toughest leagues, Antony has shown glimpses of brilliance on the pitch.
Links to Bayer Leverkusen
Recently, fresh rumours have surfaced linking Antony to Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag, however, dismissed any immediate interest from Manchester United in releasing the player. “We’re not interested in him at the moment, but we’ll see what happens in the future,” he told BILD confidently.
What This Means for Manchester United
For United, Antony is seen as a key component of their attacking strategy, especially given his familiarity with Ten Hag’s tactical approach. The manager has infused a blend of youth and experience in the United squad, and Antony represents the youthful exuberance needed for achieving sustained success.
Impact on Leverkusen’s Bundesliga Ambitions
Bayer Leverkusen, currently managed by Xabi Alonso, has been eager to add depth to its squad in pursuit of domestic glory in the Bundesliga. While Ten Hag’s current stance deters any immediate transfer, the potential addition of Antony could signify a massive coup for the German side.
Looking Ahead
What remains to be seen is how the future unfolds for Antony. The notion of reuniting with Ten Hag in the Premier League might continue to shape his career. As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the moves and decisions that both Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen undertake in their quest to ascend the ranks of European football.
Fans worldwide are encouraged to join the conversation. Is Antony better suited to flourish under Ten Hag’s guidance in the Premier League, or could a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga open new avenues for his career? The debate is open for football enthusiasts globally.
