How Antony Almost Signed For Manchester United's Biggest Rivals

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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Antony's Rise at Ajax and Early Interest

Antony's meteoric rise at Ajax was undeniable. His electrifying pace, skillful dribbling, and clinical finishing quickly established him as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football. His contributions went beyond mere goals; his assists and creative playmaking were equally impressive.

• Key Statistics: While precise figures vary depending on the source, Antony consistently delivered a significant number of goals and assists per season at Ajax, showcasing his attacking prowess.
• Early Recognition: His talent didn't go unnoticed. Scouting reports from various top clubs, including potential rivals to Manchester United like Arsenal and Tottenham, started circulating long before the summer transfer window. Early media speculation suggested significant interest from several Premier League teams and other European giants, eager to secure his services.
• Playing Style: Antony's unique blend of pace, trickery, and finishing ability made him a highly sought-after commodity. His ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot and unleash powerful shots made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. This attacking flair was highly attractive to top flight clubs.

Manchester United's Pursuit of Antony

Manchester United, under the guidance of their new manager Erik ten Hag, were keen to reunite with their former Ajax star. Their pursuit was aggressive, but far from straightforward.

• Initial Bid and Negotiations: Manchester United made multiple bids for Antony, but Ajax initially resisted, demanding a significant transfer fee reflecting his value and potential.
• Erik ten Hag's Influence: Ten Hag's personal relationship with Antony played a crucial role. His knowledge of the player's capabilities and his belief in his ability to fit into his system at Old Trafford undoubtedly influenced the club's relentless pursuit.
• Protracted Negotiations: The negotiations were protracted and complex, filled with periods of seeming stalemate and intense media speculation. The high transfer fee and Ajax's reluctance to let go of their prized asset added to the complexity.
• Reported Transfer Fee: Eventually, Manchester United secured Antony’s signature for a substantial fee, reportedly around £85 million including add-ons, making him one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. This highlights the intense competition for the player.

The Near Misses: Rival Clubs' Attempts to Sign Antony

While Manchester United ultimately prevailed, the transfer saga was far from a one-horse race. Both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur registered significant interest in signing Antony, making this a true transfer battle.

• Arsenal's Interest: Arsenal were reportedly among the early contenders for Antony's signature. Their interest stemmed from their need for additional attacking firepower and Antony's potential fit within their system. However, they never made a formal offer that came close to matching Manchester United's.
• Tottenham's Bid: Tottenham also expressed interest and may even have made a formal bid, but it ultimately fell short of securing the player. The reasons behind their failure likely included competition from other clubs and their inability to offer a package as attractive as Manchester United's.
• Close Call Analysis: Reports suggested that Antony seriously considered Arsenal and/or Tottenham, and that discussions at board level took place with those clubs. However, the combination of the manager's influence at Manchester United, and the lure of Champions League football, ultimately proved decisive.

Analyzing the Decisive Factors

Several factors contributed to Antony's decision to join Manchester United despite the intense competition.

• Erik ten Hag Factor: Ten Hag's presence at Old Trafford was undeniably significant. The familiar environment, the manager's trust, and a clear understanding of the player's style ensured a smooth transition.
• Premier League Ambition: The Premier League's global appeal and the opportunity to compete at the highest level played a role in attracting Antony to Old Trafford.
• Champions League Football: The promise of Champions League football was another attractive element influencing Antony's decision.

Conclusion

Antony's transfer to Manchester United was a dramatic saga, marked by fierce competition from some of the Premier League's biggest clubs. His remarkable rise at Ajax made him a highly sought-after commodity, and his near-misses with potential rivals like Arsenal and Tottenham highlight the intense battle for his signature. Ultimately, the combination of Erik ten Hag's influence, the allure of the Premier League, and the prospect of Champions League football sealed his move to Old Trafford. But the question remains: who do you think Antony would have thrived with most if he'd joined one of Manchester United's biggest rivals instead? What other dramatic "almost signed" transfer sagas can you remember? Share your thoughts on the Antony transfer and other memorable near-misses in the comments below! Use relevant keywords like "Antony transfer," "Manchester United rivals," and "football transfers" in your comments.