Erik ten Hag knew exactly what he was getting when he signed Antony from Ajax this summer, having also brought him to the Amsterdam club two-and-a-half years prior.
Under the Dutchman, Antony developed into one of the best in his position and it was to very little surprise that he immediately became a top target for the Reds when Ten Hag took over.
Antony enjoyed a sparkling start to life at Old Trafford, becoming the first United player to score in his first three Premier League appearances.
The 22-year-old was in action again on Thursday as United welcomed FC Sheriff to Old Trafford but this time, some would argue that he was in the spotlight for the wrong reason.
With minutes remaining of the first half, Antony executed his trademark spinning move before misplacing a pass, which resulted in a goal-kick and United’s attacking momentum was disrupted.
When the two teams made their way back onto the pitch after the interval, Antony was one of two players to be withdrawn from the game. Speaking after the 3-0 win, which secured qualification for the Reds, Ten Hag was quizzed on Antony’s signature move.
"I will correct him" 👀
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has his say on THAT Antony skill 🔴⤵️pic.twitter.com/kFmwDGggo5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 27, 2022
“I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports, as seen above. “Also from him, I demand more. More runs behind, more often in the box, more followings in, more tempo dribbles especially and more playing in the pocket.
“So we demand more dominance in this game. Now, then there is a trick like this. It’s nice. As long as it’s functional, if you’re not losing the ball, if he’s attracting players, then it’s OK.
“But if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”
Antony’s dazzling flair is what made him one of the most expensive players around and it would be dangerous to coach it out of him. Luckily, Ten Hag is intelligent enough to see that some players need allowance to do certain things in order to thrive.
All in all, Antony’s first six weeks at United have been promising and this is only the beginning.
