On Sunday, Manchester United won 3-1 at Old Trafford after Antony scored on his debut, the new Brazilian signing made a perfect start to his Manchester United career in a 3-1 win over Arsenal.
The 22-year-old forward commemorated being included in the starting lineup for the weekend’s victory after completing his transfer from Ajax to United on deadline day on Thursday, the head coach gave proof that the forward already understands his tactics because they had previously worked together at the other club.
At the 35-minute mark of the first half, the former Ajax skillful striker opened the score after Arsenal had been denied a 12th-minute opener by VAR after referee Paul Tierney used the pitchside monitor to disallow Gabriel Martinelli’s clinical finish for a foul on Christian Eriksen.
At the age of 22 years and 192 days, his involvement in the team and his goal made him the youngest Brazilian to score on his Premier League debut. He also became the 100th Brazilian to play in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford faithful at Strafford End were impressed by the teenage winger’s efforts; upon his substitution in the 58th minute, he earned a standing ovation.
The manager, Erik ten Hag, saw the Brazilian player as a gap in his system, he spoke to Sky Sports after the victory over the league’s current leaders, “We missed a player on the right wing, because all the players who can play there, like Jadon Sancho, like Marcus Rashford, they prefer more the centre or the left side. Now, we have the one who can play really well over on the right wing. That was a missing link.”
He is likely to get the start for Ten Hag against Real Sociedad on Thursday, September 8 at home, with the game kicking off at 8 p.m. He is familiar with the player from Amsterdam and is aware that this is a different level for him, but he has the ability to pose an even greater threat to opponents than he did against Arsenal.
The Brazilian posted a reflection on the entire event on his official social media with the opening sentence: “What an incredible day! A huge thanks to all MU staff and my teammates!! I’ll never forget this day! To United fans, all my affection for this reception! Let’s go for more! That´s just the beginning!”
