Antony is to make his first training session today in full preparation to face Arsenal

Erik ten Hag believes Antony will be available for Manchester United’s match against Arsenal on Sunday.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been asked directly if Antony would make his debut this weekend against Arsenal.

Ten Hag has held his pre-match press conference before the match against Leicester on Thursday night, and we already know that the Brazilian will not play.

However, the transfer window will be closed by the time United plays Arsenal on Sunday, and all paperwork should be completed before then.

Ten Hag says he hopes to have Antony available and given there are a number of days between the transfer deadline and the game at Old Trafford, it is clear he sees no reason the Wideman could not play a part.

When first asked about Antony, Ten Hag said: “First we have to sign him.

“So there’s an agreement between the clubs but the paperwork is not done, so I cannot go too deep in that fact.”

He was then asked when the paperwork would be done on the deal and said, plainly: “I don’t know.”

When asked directly if he hopes to have the winger available to play Arsenal, he concluded: “I hope, but as I say… it has to be done because then the window is closed.”

Back in April, Sunday’s opponents Arsenal were linked with a swoop for Antony and of course, Ten Hag was still Ajax manager at that point.

United have finally got to the verge of getting their man, while Arsenal continues their wait for a new winger to battle Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

It would be a great occasion if Antony made his bow at Old Trafford, but at the very least, he should be introduced to the fans in the same way his countryman Casemiro was before the win over Liverpool.

United plays three games a week until the World Cup, and depth is needed in attack, so Antony’s arrival is welcome, and it is to be hoped he can get up to speed as soon as possible.