I see you struggle with admitting you're wrong. It's simple, you are wrong, and these were made up:
Other posters have repeatedly pointed out - all things considered - the simpler and more likely option; that out of the shortlisted targets the manager preferred Antony, which the club agreed with/to.
I don't think I ever broached these things because they weren't what I was discussing nor do they change what I was arguing.
I read your article stating Ten Hag had reservations about returning to Ajax. Same article later stated he undoubtedly wanted Antony. Furthermore, there are two other instances in which The Athletic say he was eager to sign him, and pushed for a swift reunion with Antony. With Ten Hag's input being described as "decisive". Evidently, it has to be agreed with and by the club. I also don't know where you got the "Gakpo was a Ten Hag name anyway" thing from. You said "Gakpo in his own interviews has stated he has had close conversations with the manager who knew him well" seemingly as the basis for that. I don't know how you surmised so much from so little. From recollection we were linked with Gakpo prior to Ten Hag being appointed - I mean, Antony himself was reportedly already in a three man shortlist before Ten Hag was appointed. Either way - it doesn't change what I was arguing.
I think processes at United can be criticised without outright fabrications that place the manager in favourable lighting, such as; "Klopp as data scientists and scouts, Ten Hag has feck all" and "the club present no options/alternative to/for Antony".