By Charlotte Daly For Mailonline
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Manchester United’s new star signing Antony has hit out at the agency claiming to have played a defining role in his huge move to Old Trafford.
Antony completed a £85.5million transfer to United on deadline day, penning a five-year contract with the Red Devils after going on strike to force a deal.
However, several parties are trying to claim credit for orchestrating the 22-year-old’s move from Ajax, much to Antony’s disbelief.
Manchester United’s new star signing Antony has hit out at the agency claiming to have played a defining role in his record-breaking move to Old Trafford this summer
Forza Sports Group, owned by Revien Kanhai, took to social media to claim they played a defining role in the ‘biggest transfer this year’.
However, the Brazilian’s agent, Junior Pedroso, disputed their claim, saying he held the controlling influence in the deal. Pedroso was pictured shaking hands with Antony at Carrington after the transfer was completed.
Both parties want to be credited with orchestrating the 22-year-old’s deal as it will see them earn the £20m bonus payment that is associated with pushing the deal, which was months in the making, over the line.
Therefore, Antony has set the record straight, outlining exactly how the transfer came about following United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
On his Instagram story, Antony wrote ‘This must be a joke!??!!’ in a response to Forza Sports Group’s post claiming they were heavily involved in his ‘record breaking’ move.
Antony became Manchester United’s second most expensive signing in the club’s history
But, he has hit out at Forza Sports Group for claiming they played a defining role in the deal
He added: ‘After so much work by our team/family, an unknown person wants to take control of my transfer.
‘I kindly ask you to delete my name from your publication, as YOU were not involved in the negotiation of my contract nor the negotiation of the transfer between the two clubs #respect.’
Forza Sports Group’s post included a number of accomplishments alongside a picture of employees toasting their success. The top item reads: ‘Transfer agent on the 100M record breaking deal of Ajax and worldwide biggest transfer this year of Antony’.
Antony’s agent Junior Pedroso (right) has also said he played an important role in the transfer
Pedroso (right) took to Instagram to say it took 6 months of negotiations and two months away from home to get a deal pushed over the line
Antony’s transfer to Old Trafford made him United’s second most expensive signing ever, behind the £89m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba back in 2016.
When asked about Antony’s potential following the confirmation of his transfer, Ten Hag said: ‘He proved himself already. Champions League, Brazilian national team and Olympic gold medalist.
‘Brazil has a number of players so high talented. You can select two or three teams and he can deal with the pressure. He will bring temperament and creativity.
‘Also for him it is a new start and he has to adapt to the team, to the Premier League and to the high intensity. But I’m sure he will adapt.’
Pedroso said it was ‘one of the most challenging backstage of my career’ on Instagram
Antony made his mark during his Premier League debut for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
He scored United’s opening goal in the 35th minute of their 3-1 win over Arsenal. He slipped the ball into the bottom left-hand corner after latching onto the end of Marcus Rashford’s pass.
Taking to social media after the game, Antony said: ‘A huge thanks to all MU staff and my teammates!!
‘I’ll never forget this day! To United fans, all my affection for this reception! Let’s go for more! That’s just the beginning.’
Pedroso (top R) was adamant there was no ‘third party interference’ when it came to the deal
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group