Ten Hag's Unbreakable Bond with Antony: 'Like a Son to Me, But No Interest Right Now'

The Paternal Bond That Transcends Football

Erik ten Hag's recent comments about Antony have sent shockwaves through the football world, revealing a relationship that goes far beyond the typical manager-player dynamic. Speaking to German publication Bild, the newly appointed Bayer Leverkusen manager didn't hold back his emotions when discussing the Brazilian winger: 'He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me, he still is a son to me'. This heartfelt admission comes at a time when Antony's future remains uncertain, having struggled to justify his £86 million price tag at Manchester United. The Dutch tactician's words paint a picture of genuine care and affection, yet he was quick to add a dose of reality: 'We're not interested in him at the moment, but we'll see what happens in the future'.

For international fans unfamiliar with ten Hag's coaching philosophy, understanding this relationship requires delving into the cultural context of Dutch football mentorship. In the Netherlands, coaches often develop deep personal connections with their players, viewing their role as both tactical instructor and life guide. Ten Hag's description of Antony as a 'son' reflects this traditional approach, where managers take genuine pride in nurturing young talent beyond mere football skills.

The Ajax Genesis: Where Dreams Began

The story of ten Hag and Antony begins in Amsterdam, where Ajax's legendary youth development system provided the perfect breeding ground for their relationship. When ten Hag first laid eyes on the young Brazilian from São Paulo in 2020, he saw something special - a raw talent that reminded him of the classic Ajax wingers who had graced the Johan Cruyff Arena. The €20 million investment proved prescient as Antony quickly adapted to European football, showcasing the flair and creativity that would later catch Manchester United's attention.

During their time together at Ajax, Antony flourished under ten Hag's guidance, contributing 25 goals in 82 appearances across all competitions. The Brazilian's breakthrough came in the Champions League, where he tormented opponents with his pace and trickery, notably delivering standout performances against Borussia Dortmund that announced his arrival on the European stage. Ten Hag's tactical system at Ajax perfectly suited Antony's strengths, allowing him the freedom to drift inside from the right wing and create havoc in the final third. This period represents the golden era of their partnership, where mutual trust and understanding reached its peak.

The Manchester United Disaster: A £86 Million Mistake

The reunion at Manchester United was supposed to be a fairy tale, but it quickly turned into a nightmare that would haunt both men. When ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in 2022, he specifically requested Antony's services, believing their proven chemistry could translate to Premier League success. However, recent revelations have cast doubt on this narrative, with ten Hag's agent Kees Vos claiming that the manager actually opposed the transfer. According to Vos, 'Ten Hag and Vos were not in favour of this and wanted to stop the transfer. But the club wanted to push through at all costs, because Arsenal was also interested in Antony'.

The astronomical fee of £86 million made Antony one of the most expensive wingers in football history, creating immense pressure that he struggled to handle. His statistics at United tell a damning story: just 12 goals and 5 assists in 96 appearances across two and a half seasons. The Brazilian's inability to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League became increasingly apparent, with critics labeling him one of United's worst-ever signings. Former United defender Gary Neville was particularly scathing, stating: 'If he thinks Antony is an £85m player, that for me is such a worry. That is terrifying'.

The Betis Revival: Rediscovering His Magic

Just when it seemed Antony's career might be over, Real Betis provided an unexpected lifeline during the 2024-25 season. The loan move to Spain proved transformative, with the Brazilian rediscovering the form that had made him such a coveted prospect at Ajax. Under Manuel Pellegrini's guidance, Antony contributed nine goals and five assists in just 26 appearances, helping Betis reach the Europa Conference League final. This resurgence has not gone unnoticed, with the Andalusian club eager to secure his services permanently.

The Spanish media has praised Antony's adaptation to La Liga's technical style, noting how the more patient approach suits his skillset better than the Premier League's intensity. Betis fans have embraced the Brazilian, appreciating his flair and creativity in a league that values technical ability over physical prowess. This revival has sparked interest from multiple clubs across Europe, with Newcastle United, RB Leipzig, and Brighton all reportedly monitoring his situation. The success at Betis has also vindicated ten Hag's initial faith in the player, proving that with the right environment and tactical setup, Antony can still be an effective performer.

The Leverkusen Question: Will Love Conquer Logic?

Ten Hag's appointment as Bayer Leverkusen manager has inevitably led to speculation about a potential third reunion with Antony. The German club, fresh from their historic Bundesliga title triumph under Xabi Alonso, represents an attractive destination for ambitious players. However, ten Hag's public statements suggest that sentiment alone won't drive transfer decisions at BayArena. 'We're not interested in him at the moment,' he stated firmly, indicating that Leverkusen's recruitment will be based on tactical needs rather than personal relationships.

The financial reality also complicates any potential move, with Manchester United reportedly seeking around £35 million for Antony's permanent transfer. Leverkusen's typically shrewd approach to the transfer market makes such an investment unlikely unless Antony can guarantee immediate impact. Furthermore, the German club's style of play, built around high pressing and quick transitions, might not suit Antony's more technical approach. The Brazilian's age (25) and recent struggles also raise questions about whether he can adapt to another new league and tactical system.

Community Reactions and Cultural Impact

The ten Hag-Antony saga has divided football communities worldwide, with passionate debates raging on social media platforms and fan forums. Manchester United supporters remain largely skeptical about Antony's abilities, with many viewing his potential departure as addition by subtraction. A recent poll on United fan forum RedCafe showed that 73% of respondents would be happy to see Antony leave permanently, regardless of the fee received. The criticism has been particularly harsh on Korean football forums, where fans have questioned ten Hag's judgment in both signing and persisting with the Brazilian.

However, Brazilian football fans have shown more sympathy for their compatriot, arguing that the Premier League's physicality never suited his playing style. On popular Brazilian forum Globoesporte, supporters have praised his Betis performances as proof that he remains a quality player in the right environment. Spanish media has also been generally positive about Antony's contributions to Betis, with Marca describing him as 'a player reborn' following his Conference League displays. This cultural divide highlights how different footballing philosophies can dramatically impact player perception and performance evaluation.