Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar was left disappointed losing Antony to Manchester United.

The Dutch club were determined to keep hold of the winger, who went on strike in an attempt to force through a move.

Eventually Antony ended up moving to Old Trafford after an offer of £86million was made.

Van der Sar said: "It was our opinion they should stay for another year. We gave a firm 'no' to Arsenal when they came first for Lisandro; we fought hard to keep him.

"It was [an] economic [decision] but it was a hard one to take. We knew there was interest but not at that level and it was too late to find a good replacement.

"I don't think the way [Antony] handled it was the correct one, but it's important all the players who leave Ajax have success because it reflects well on us."

Van der Sar also praised the work that former Ajax boss ten Hag is doing at United.

Van der Sar said: "We saw the work Erik has done when he established himself as a young coach. He's relentless, he wants to achieve as much as possible. The training exercises, the way he wants to play, it is coming into a picture."

In addition, van der Sar, who recently signed a new contract with Ajax until 2025, played down suggestions that he could return to United.

He said: "It's never been that close. I have a good relationship with the board and I had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I'm not finished here yet."