Manchester United star Antony has moved into Paul Pogba’s old house as he settles into life at the club.
The 22-year-old, who joined the Red Devils for £86million from Ajax in the summer, scored on his debut in a 3-1 win over Arsenal last month. He also featured in the Europa League matches against Real Sociedad and Sherriff but failed to find the net.
Despite starting just two matches, the United supporters have already seemed to take to the Brazilian and is emerging as a fans’ favourite. He is their second-most expensive arrival behind Pogba, and just ahead of Harry Maguire after he joined for £80m from Leicester.
Now, according to ESPN, Antony has made himself at home in Manchester by setting into Pogba’s five-bedroom mansion, which is situated in Hale Barns, Cheshire. The latter left United after six years at the club back in June and has decided to give his house to Antony, who signed a five-year contract on deadline day.
Among the unique parts of the house include an incredibly eye-catching diamond-encrusted staircase. Pogba also boasted a personalised pool table which has the initials “PP” engraved on it. And that is currently still there, although Antony has insisted it will be changed in due course.
The mansion has an indoor pool and spa ( Image: Mercury Press and Media Ltd)
Speaking to ESPN, Antony said: “I’ll need to change. It was Pogba’s house, there’s the P of his stuff on the table. Now I’m going to start changing, put Antony Santos’ AS.”
Referencing Pogba’s departure from Old Trafford, he then joked: “He’s not here anymore, right?” There is also a small area to play football made up of synthetic grass, which contains an electronic scoreboard and LED lighting. The £3m property also boasts a gym, heated swimming pool and a sauna – all key features as Antony looks to keep his fitness up.
Antony’s new house has a spacious living area ( Image: Mercury Press and Media Ltd)
Antony has made quite the impact during his short time at Old Trafford and it was a move he always wanted to make, ever since Erik ten Hag made the switch to United from Ajax. When assessing why he joined the Red Devils back in August, Antony admitted he is motivated to bring a similar level of success to Old Trafford.
He told the club’s website: “This is an incredible moment in my career to be joining one of the most iconic clubs in the world. I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, especially my family, and all my coaches and teammates, because I could not have got here without them.
“Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.
Antony joined Man United from Ajax ( Image: Getty Images)
“My time at Ajax was fantastic and I will always be grateful for the trust they put in me, but now I am ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to join my new team-mates and play my part in bringing success to Manchester United.”
Meanwhile, The Sun reported in the summer that Erling Haaland was also eyeing up the property following his big-money move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund. Haaland and Pogba are managed by the same company and there were rumours that the latter would be able to help.
The £3million house also has a games room with a tidy pool table ( Image: Mercury Press and Media Ltd)
A source said in June: “Erling is keen to get settled down as quickly as possible so he can hit the ground running at City. So a key part of that is to get himself sorted with a new home as soon as he can. He and Paul know each other and share the same management team.
“Given how Paul’s time at United has gone, he’s unlikely to return to the UK so he will be looking to sell his house but he would be happy to rent it if necessary. It has everything a top-level footballer needs — and a bit of mischief in the house as well with the footie pitch. Paul and Erling are quite similar characters. They like to enjoy themselves so it could really appeal to him.”