‘Cristiano Ronaldo said I should be careful’ – Antony reveals advice from Man Utd legend and explains how Erik ten Hag convinced him to join

Antony has reflected on his turbulent spell at Manchester United, revealing the memorable advice he received from Cristiano Ronaldo and explaining how Erik ten Hag convinced him to complete his high-profile move to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian winger also opened up about the intense scrutiny he faced in England and why a move to Spain ultimately helped him rediscover both his confidence and enjoyment of football.

Ten Hag played key role in Old Trafford move

Antony followed Ten Hag from Ajax to Manchester United in the summer of 2022 after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers in the Eredivisie.

The winger has now revealed just how influential the Dutch manager was in securing the transfer.

Speaking on the Podpah podcast, Antony explained that Ten Hag remained in constant contact throughout the process and made it clear he wanted him at Old Trafford.

“I went to Manchester United because of Erik ten Hag, who kept sending me messages saying he wanted me there,” Antony revealed.

Having enjoyed considerable success together in Amsterdam, the pair reunited in Manchester with hopes of replicating that progress in the Premier League.

Ronaldo’s advice left lasting impression

While discussing his time at United, Antony reserved special praise for Cristiano Ronaldo, describing the Portuguese superstar as both supportive and approachable behind the scenes.

The Brazilian recalled one particular piece of advice that has stayed with him ever since.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an incredible person, very funny and polite,” Antony said.

“He told me that the day I stop feeling butterflies in my stomach, I should be careful.”

Ronaldo also helped calm Antony’s nerves ahead of one of the biggest moments of his career.

“Before my debut against Arsenal, he reassured me by telling me to take my first touches calmly and that I already knew how to do the rest.”

That debut could hardly have gone better, with Antony scoring against Arsenal and making an immediate impression on the United faithful.

English football brought unique challenges

Despite his bright start, Antony admitted that life in England quickly became more complicated.

The winger arrived carrying the weight of a substantial transfer fee, and scrutiny over his performances intensified as United struggled for consistency.

According to Antony, the relentless media attention affected him more than many people realised.

“The press in England is a bit heavy,” he explained.

“There were times when I even doubted myself, but my family reminded me that one bad moment doesn’t define my story.”

The Brazilian acknowledged that maintaining confidence became increasingly difficult amid criticism and growing expectations.

Spain helped him rediscover his best form

After enduring a difficult period in Manchester, Antony opted for a fresh challenge in Spain, where he quickly rediscovered the qualities that had made him such a sought-after talent.

His performances for Real Betis last season highlighted a player enjoying his football again, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

The winger believes the tactical differences between English and Spanish football have suited his game perfectly.

“So I needed to go to Spain to rediscover myself and be happy,” Antony admitted.

“In the Premier League, the intensity is extreme in both attack and defence, but in Spain there’s more space for one-on-one situations.”

While his spell at Manchester United may not have unfolded as many expected, Antony’s latest comments offer a fascinating insight into the pressures of life at Old Trafford, the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the role Erik ten Hag played in shaping one of the most talked-about transfers of recent years.