Man United winger Antony has revealed he had to deal with a ‘really tough moment’ in midweek before returning to score against Everton… as he thanked manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates for their support
Manchester United’s £82million signing Antony revealed he had recovered from a ‘really difficult moment’ in midweek before scoring the opening goal in Friday’s FA Cup win over Everton at Old Trafford.
Antony scored in the fourth minute to put United on course for a 3-1 victory in the third round after missing Tuesday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth. The official reason was given as an injury, but the Brazil winger hinted it could be something more personal as he thanked the club, manager Erik ten Hag and his teammates for their support.
‘First of all, it’s a feeling of joy,’ the 22-year-old told TNT Sports. ‘I’m happy to score again, especially at home. I set some goals for myself this season and it was good to score once I started thinking about personal goals. But, of course, the most important thing is United’s qualification to the next stage.
Man United’s Antony has revealed he has to deal with a ‘personal matter’ this week
Antony returned to the Man United line-up to score against Everton on Friday
I also feel relieved as in the last days I had a shock, but I prefer not to comment on what happened. It was a personal thing, really difficult, but I am very grateful to God to put that behind me now, grateful to the club, the players and the manager. Everyone stayed by my side.
‘It was a really, really difficult moment for me days ago. But God is always by my side and I also thank my family. I dedicate this goal to them, in moments like this you will know who really loves you.
‘It’s in the past now, I’m happy to score and I hope it continues like this because it’s been a year of many victories and victories.
‘This is my mind-frame now. I am 100 percent focused on respecting the fans and the club. We all know the size of this club and we want to bring United back to where it belongs.’
Antony thanks Erik ten Hag for his support during his ‘really difficult moment’
After following Ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford last summer, Antony praised the Dutchman’s influence on his career in rising from poverty in Inferninho, a slum outside Osasco.
‘I like Ten Hag a lot, I’ve got a lot of respect for him,’ he added. ‘He knows me, who I am and how poor I am. He knows I always give 100 percent even when things aren’t working out for me. He knows where I come from, my story, how I struggled growing up in a favela. It is very important to have his support.
‘I set goals for myself, and not just on the pitch. It also includes resting, eating well, everything. It’s about being 100 percent on and off the pitch, especially on the mental side because it controls the rest.
‘I really demand a lot from myself regardless of what people say about me. I only listen to useful feedback. The Premier League is completely different for any other league: intensity, calendar, many games – it’s a big demand. So that’s why I’m focused on being on top of my mental and physical health.’
