What is all the more frustrating and disappointing for Antony is that he went on strike in August 2022 to try and force through a move to Old Trafford. He refused to make himself available for selection for Ajax's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam in their third Eredivisie game of the season amid his desperation to be reunited with Ten Hag.

Ruben Amorim’s first words as Manchester United head coach came as he strolled the Old Trafford pitch in an interview with the club’s in-house media. He spoke of understanding the “massive challenge” in front of him,