Antony has hit the ground running since signing for Manchester United from Ajax on deadline day, with the Brazilian star becoming the first United player to score in his first three Premier League appearances.
The signing was almost immediately questioned by pundits and experts but the 22-year-old has already proved some people wrong. Paul Scholes, who was critical of the winger, has already reacted to being called out.
Antony has instantly become a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag, with whom he worked for two-and-a-half years at Ajax, starting all league games thus far.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s crucial Europa League game against Omonia, Antony has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the player who has helped him most since he completed the big-money transfer.
“Since I arrived here, Cristiano Ronaldo has really helped me feel at ease; he speaks to me a lot, on matchdays as well,” Antony is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“He always tells me to be calm and confident, he’s achieved so much in football and I learn from him every day. I’m really grateful to have such an experienced person teaching us young players every day.
“His mentality, it’s so strong. He’s very intelligent. This mentality of his, looking to the next day, everything still to play for, it’s what I’m trying to take on board and keep for the rest of my life.”
SN’s verdict…
Antony seems to have struck a connection with Ronaldo instantly and the pair could be seen acting out a pre-rehearsed celebration last week when the Portuguese forward scored his 700th club goal.
Ronaldo may not have got the transfer he wanted over the summer but his influence on the squad over the next couple of months will be huge. Clearly, he doesn’t have a shortage of admirers at the club.