Manchester United new boy Antony sent a touching message to new teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after being made aware of the Portuguese superstar’s warm response to his first Red Devils’ goal....CONTINUE READING
The Brazilian started against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon just a few days after completing an £86m from Ajax. And he got his United career off to the perfect start with the opening goal against the Gunners by sweeping home a brilliant, left-footed effort past Aaron Ramsdale. United would ultimately claim a 3-1 win.
Antony’s strike triggered wild celebrations inside Old Trafford, with the winger himself clearly ecstatic. There were similar scenes on the United bench with Ronaldo – again only named as a substitute – pictured by TV cameras celebrating Antony’s opener.
The 37-year-old eventually came off the bench to replace Antony just before the hour mark at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian posting a picture of the pair on his Instagram story with the caption “idolo”… which literally translates to “idol” from Portuguese.
Following the winger’s goal against Arsenal, it wasn’t only Ronaldo who praised the ex-Ajax man. Boss Erik ten Hag was hugely complimentary of Antony following the final whistle.
Speaking to the BBC, the Dutchman said: “I know what he [Antony] can be. On the pitch he is brave. During the transfer window we looked for players with the right character, who can fight and battle.”
He continued: “He has missed some training, so he lacks a little bit of power but you can see his potential. He is really good with his pace and his dribbles and also his pressing capabilities. The intensity of the Premier League is high and that is going to be a challenge for him but we have seen his potential.”
Antony will no doubt be hoping to continue making an impact over the next season and could potentially get another opportunity to shine on Thursday evening as the Red Devils get their Europa League campaign underway against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be handed a start during that game having only started once for the Red Devils so far this season. The forward has a stunning record against the La Liga outfit though with 15 goals in just nine career appearances – a record that includes two hat-tricks.
Should he make an appearance, it would represent Ronaldo’s first outing in Europe’s secondary competition in 20 years having played for Sporting Clube de Portugal in the then UEFA back in the 2002/03 campaign.
