Cristiano Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United left a lasting impression on the club and its players, especially on Antony and the broader Ten Hag era. Ronaldo rejoined United in 2021 from Juventus for £12.8m, reuniting with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before their falling out with Erik ten Hag in 2022, which ultimately led to Ronaldo’s departure. The article highlights Ronaldo’s supportive role for Antony ahead of his Old Trafford debut, describing Ronaldo as a positive influence who advised Antony to stay calm on his first touches and rely on his established skills. Antony’s United debut against Arsenal in September 2022 saw him start on the bench as Ronaldo began on the bench and later replaced him, with Antony delivering a promising performance before Ten Hag substituted him after 58 minutes. Antony has since moved to Real Betis for £21.65m, but Ronaldo’s mentorship is cited as a notable moment in Antony’s early United career. The piece provides context on Ronaldo’s impact during his second United spell and the dynamics of the Ten Hag era, including Antony’s high-profile arrival and subsequent transfer.
Key Takeaways:
– Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in 2021, returning under Solskjaer and experiencing a contentious second spell that ended with his exit in 2022.
– He actively supported Antony ahead of his United debut, offering reassurance and practical tips for handling the big occasion.
– Antony’s United debut vs. Arsenal featured him starting on the bench and making an impact before being substituted; he later moved to Real Betis for a reported £21.65m.
