He helped me a lot’ – Antony hails ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and admits he holds no grudges against Dutchman despite lack of minutes at Old Trafford

 


📰 “He helped me a lot” – Antony Hails Ex-Man Utd Boss Erik ten Hag

“He helped me a lot’ – Antony hails ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and admits he holds no grudges against Dutchman despite lack of minutes at Old Trafford” — a headline that has grabbed the attention of Manchester United fans and football followers worldwide.

This heartfelt comment by Brazilian winger Antony about his former manager, Erik ten Hag, has become a trending topic, resonating far beyond football. In a world where tension often marks the player-coach relationship, Antony’s words are refreshing — a powerful message of gratitude, mentorship, and professional maturity.


📌 Quick Wiki Data Table

Field Detail
Player Antony Matheus dos Santos
Coach Erik ten Hag
Club (at the time) Manchester United
Statement “He helped me a lot”
Context Despite limited game time, Antony appreciates ten Hag’s mentorship
Date of Statement April 2025
Nationality Antony – Brazilian, Erik ten Hag – Dutch
Media Attention Widely covered by Sky Sports, BBC, ESPN, and Manchester Evening News

🧠 Why Antony’s Statement Matters in Modern Football

“He helped me a lot’ – Antony hails ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and admits he holds no grudges against Dutchman despite lack of minutes at Old Trafford” is more than a quote. It reflects modern football’s need for mental resilience, professional maturity, and positive player-coach relationships.

✅ Context Behind the Statement

Antony joined Manchester United from Ajax in a high-profile move. Expectations were sky-high, and ten Hag — his coach at Ajax — seemed the perfect fit. Yet, the winger struggled for consistent minutes on the pitch at Old Trafford. Despite this, Antony’s respect and appreciation for his coach remained unshaken.

This is a key moment not only for fans but for the football community to witness how respect can override ego in elite-level sports.


🧩 Analyzing the Keyword: A Look at the Mentorship Angle

H2: “He helped me a lot” – What Antony’s Words Tell Us About Ten Hag’s Leadership

This phrase is not just a personal sentiment; it is a leadership endorsement. Erik ten Hag is often described as a tactical mastermind, but Antony’s praise also reveals his role as a mentor, motivator, and developer of young talent.

Antony’s growth under Ten Hag’s guidance began at Ajax and continued into the Premier League. Despite not always being in the starting eleven, Antony acknowledges the long-term value of his training, the trust placed in him, and the guidance offered in both technical and mental aspects of the game.


H2: “He helped me a lot” – Antony’s Gratitude Even With Limited Game Time at Old Trafford

One would expect a player starved of minutes to be bitter or frustrated. Antony, however, broke the mold by expressing gratitude. This quote captures his emotional intelligence and dedication to growth, showing that success is not always measured in game time, but in personal and professional development.

The keyword phrase serves as a bridge to highlight a broader truth: football careers are long-term investments, and good coaching leaves a mark that transcends lineups and substitutions.


🧭 Lessons for Young Players and Coaches

The sports world often highlights the glamorous side of football — goals, trophies, and transfers. But Antony’s words pull back the curtain on something more human: the emotional complexities of an elite player navigating ups and downs.

  • 📈 Lesson for Players: Success isn’t always immediate. Growth happens in training grounds, not just matchday stadiums.
  • 🎯 Lesson for Coaches: Your impact as a mentor might not always show up on the scoreboard, but it lives in the players’ gratitude.

🔗 External Backlink for Authority

For additional insight into Ten Hag’s coaching career and Antony’s development, you can check this detailed profile from Sky Sports.


❓FAQs: “He helped me a lot” – Antony and Erik ten Hag

❓Why did Antony make this statement about Erik ten Hag?

Antony acknowledged Ten Hag’s crucial role in his development, both during their Ajax days and at Manchester United, even though he didn’t get as much playing time as expected.


❓Was there tension between Antony and Erik ten Hag?

No. On the contrary, Antony emphasized that he holds no grudges and instead expressed deep appreciation for Ten Hag’s mentorship.


❓How does this affect Antony’s future at Manchester United?

The statement may positively affect Antony’s standing, showing his maturity and professionalism, which could translate into renewed trust from future coaches or Ten Hag himself.


❓What does this mean for Erik ten Hag’s reputation?

It strengthens Ten Hag’s reputation as a coach who develops players both on and off the pitch, reinforcing his leadership skills and long-term vision.


❓Why is this quote trending?

It goes against the grain of the usual disgruntled-player narrative. Gratitude and respect like this stand out, especially in high-stakes clubs like Manchester United.


💭 Final Thoughts

The keyword “He helped me a lot’ – Antony hails ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and admits he holds no grudges against Dutchman despite lack of minutes at Old Trafford” captures more than a media headline. It reflects the values of leadership, emotional intelligence, and professional development that often get overlooked in mainstream football coverage.

Whether you’re a die-hard Red Devils fan, a coach, or an aspiring footballer, Antony’s statement is a reminder that growth is about more than just game time — it’s about guidance, humility, and respect.


 

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