Erik ten Hag has revealed Jadon Sancho caused Manchester United to overpay for Antony during his time as manager.
The Red Devils signed the winger for £81.3million in 2022, during Ten Hag’s first transfer window as manager.
His arrival on deadline day made him the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history.
However, Antony departed Old Trafford for just £21.6million last summer, joining Real Betis following a successful loan spell with the Spanish club.
It followed just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for United.
Why did United sign Antony?
Ten Hag, who won two Eredivisie titles with Antony in his side at Ajax, has now detailed the reasoning behind bringing him to the club.
The Dutchman has revealed the late move was born out of Sancho’s refusal to play on the right wing.
Speaking to The Athletic, he recalled: “There came up a problem because Sancho didn’t want to play on the right side, he said that.
“Which was very weird, he played often on the right. He said he felt more comfortable on the left. So there we had an issue and we were late.”
Sancho had arrived at United from Borussia Dortmund a year prior during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time in charge.
He went on to feature on the left 28 times across all competitions during his debut season, compared to just eight appearances on the opposite flank.
Following Ten Hag’s arrival, though, Sancho was moved to the right for the first three matches of the 2022/23 season prior to the signing of Antony.
Sancho’s United career
However, the former England international was unable to force his way into the side on the left under Ten Hag following his request to switch flanks.
Instead, Sancho was sent on loan to Dortmund and Chelsea during Ten Hag’s time as manager.
As a result, he missed out on United’s FA Cup triumph in 2024, which earned Ten Hag a contract extension.
United triggered a clause in his deal which would have kept Ten Hag at the club until 2026.
He would be sacked just three months later, though, after a disappointing start to the season.
Meanwhile, Sancho was released this summer following a third loan spell away from Old Trafford.
Despite winning the Europa League with Aston Villa last term, the 26-year-old currently remains without a club.
Sancho was approached by Spanish club Getafe last week amid his search for a new team.