It was a positive weekend for Manchester United, who followed their 1-0 win over Southampton with a different kind of breakthrough off the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes handed United a second successive victory in a week to ensure the Erik ten Hag era at the club kicked on. The club then made progress in negotiations with Ajax over Antony, who has been one of Ten Hag’s priorities all summer.
With Casemiro already through the door, alongside three other signings, things are beginning to look a bit rosier at Old Trafford. There is still some more work to be done before the transfer deadline later this week – and two more matches to play this week – but allow Mirror Football to take you through the latest headlines for the time being.
Antony heading for United
After a summer-long pursuit, Antony is on his way to becoming a Manchester United player following a breakthrough in negotiations on Sunday night.
United have agreed an £84million deal to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford. Antony has always been desperate to leave Amsterdam for Manchester and went on strike in recent weeks to force through the move.
The Brazilian will join United before Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline, despite Ajax’s technical manager Gerry Hamstra, his right-hand man Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and manager Alfred Schreuder all wanting to keep him. Ultimately, though, they have given in to the constant pressure and financial incentive.
Casemiro’s role explained
Paul Scholes believes that Casemiro will act as Manchester United’s “insurance policy” in midfield, with Fred and Scott McTominay then allowed to push up the pitch.
The Brazilian made his debut off the bench in the closing stages of the 1-0 win over Southampton and will be ready to start this week. Scholes believes that is great news for the balance of the side.
“With Casemiro, having that player who plays the position brilliantly behind you or next to you is invaluable. I had Michael Carrick, Roy Keane,” he said on BT Sport.
"It gives you freedom, I don’t even think about defending because I know the man who’s next to me or behind is in the right place all the time. It’s an insurance policy."
Ten Hag’s good omen
FC Utrecht owner Frans van Seumeren has spoken about giving Erik ten Hag his start in management – and why he believes the Dutchman will be a success at Manchester United.
Van Seumeren employed Ten Hag before he shot to fame at Ajax and he is absolutely convinced he has what it takes to succeed at the very highest level.
"You saw from Erik ten Hag against Liverpool that he can turn things around in football,” he said.
“When Erik ten Hag was our manager, in his second season we took three points from the first six games, but that season we qualified for Europe for the first time. That is a great example of his quality and management.”
