Revealed: Antony's Close Call With Manchester United's Biggest Rival

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 23, 2025

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The Initial Approach – Manchester City's Interest in Antony

Manchester City's interest in Antony wasn't a fleeting rumour; it was a genuine pursuit, fueled by their extensive scouting network. Their initial scouting reports highlighted Antony's electrifying pace, close control, and ability to create chances from wide areas. These attributes aligned perfectly with City's style of play, which prioritizes possession-based football and fluid attacking movements.

• Early Negotiations: Reports suggest early contact between Manchester City representatives and Antony's agents. Discussions centered around a potential transfer fee, with figures speculated to be in the region of £60-£80 million. This aligns with City's typical spending habits on top talent.
• Transfer Bid Speculation: Although a concrete offer from Manchester City never officially surfaced, there's a consensus amongst football journalists that a significant bid was in the works. The specifics remain unconfirmed, however.
• City's Need for a Winger: At the time, Manchester City's wide options were strong, but not necessarily overflowing. While players like Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish were established, an additional player with Antony's unique skill set could have added an extra dimension to their attack. This fueled the speculation.

Why Manchester United Won the Race – Antony's Choice and the Decisive Factors

While Manchester City's interest was undeniable, several crucial factors ultimately swayed Antony towards Manchester United. The most significant influence was undoubtedly Erik ten Hag, Antony's former manager at Ajax. Their pre-existing relationship played a pivotal role.

• The Ten Hag Factor: Ten Hag’s proven track record of developing young talent, coupled with his familiarity with Antony’s playing style, proved irresistible. The manager's personal appeal and promise of a key role within his system offered Antony a secure and familiar environment.
• Playing Style and Personal Ambition: Antony's preference for a more direct, attacking role likely played a significant part. While both clubs offered attractive opportunities, the promise of a starring role under Ten Hag's guidance at Manchester United likely outweighed other considerations.
• Discussions with United Players: Reports indicate that Antony engaged in positive discussions with several key Manchester United players, learning about the club's culture and team dynamics, which further solidified his decision. A welcoming atmosphere played a huge role in Antony’s choice.
• Project and Long Term Vision: Finally, Manchester United's long-term project under Ten Hag and the Glazers' commitment to rebuilding the club might have appealed to Antony's ambition more than Manchester City's already established dominance.

The Ripple Effects – Impact on Both Clubs and the Premier League

Antony's transfer to Manchester United, while narrowly avoiding a move to their biggest rival, had significant ripple effects across the Premier League.

• Manchester United Squad Strength: Antony's arrival undoubtedly bolstered Manchester United's attacking options, providing additional creativity and pace on the wings. His addition immediately made a noticeable impact on their attacking prowess.
• Manchester City's Transfer Strategy: Manchester City's failure to sign Antony didn't cripple their season, but it forced them to adjust their transfer strategy, potentially impacting their pursuit of other targets. They needed to explore alternative options and recalibrate their approach.
• Competitive Balance: While the Premier League remains fiercely competitive, Antony's transfer subtly shifted the balance, potentially strengthening Manchester United's challenge to City's dominance. This transfer significantly impacted the race for top positions.
• Alternative Targets: Both clubs subsequently pursued different targets, demonstrating the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the transfer market. This shows the adaptive nature of Premier League giants in a competitive transfer market.

Conclusion

Antony's near-miss with Manchester City underscores the high-stakes and often unpredictable nature of the football transfer market. His eventual move to Manchester United, heavily influenced by his relationship with Erik ten Hag and personal preference, offers a compelling case study in the intricate negotiations and strategic decisions that shape the Premier League landscape. This close call showcases how critical player relationships and a club's long-term vision can be in securing top talent.

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