Antony is proving to be a nuisance to sell as far as Manchester United are concerned
The end of the 2024/25 season was not just a bad year for Manchester United, but it proved to be a period that forced us to think again about which direction the club are heading. 15th place in the Premier League, losing the Europa League final to Tottenham of all clubs, and now missing out on any European tournament in the 2025/26 season – all these have refreshed bitter memories of an old era. The arrival of Ruben Amorim in the middle of the previous season raised hopes, but he, too, could not handle this team.
This summer, Manchester United have started the transfer windowon a positive note by signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as adding young talent like Diogo Leon. However, still selling players who do not fit into Amorim’s plans remains a big challenge. Marcus Rashford was sent to Barcelona, but Antony’s case remains complicated. The Brazilian winger’s flop show at Old Trafford is now clear, yet the club are unable to fix his departure
Antony’s stubbornness and Real Betis’ trickery
According to ABC Sevilla, as relayed by Sport Witness, Antony want to return to Real Betis again. This Brazilian player has rejected two offers from Saudi Arabia and Brazil. Atlético Madrid’s name was also linked, but they did not even come close to United’s demand. The 25-year-old winger’s eyes are now only on Betis, where he was able to play a little better in the second half of last season on loan. He has also rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Estadio Deportivo’s report, as relayed by Sport Witness, suggests that Antony is not even talking to any other club now. Real Betis are trying to take him back on loan in the last weeks of the transfer window. However, what will Manchester United get from this? Another season without a solution to their high-cost flop?
A decision is needed now at all costs
Manchester United cannot prolong this Antony situation any longer. When a player is adamant about going on loan again to only one club, and the club want to recover some money by selling him, then a decision is needed, not a discussion. Antony is rejecting every offer that could benefit United. He does not even want to hear the name of any other club except Betis, while Betis knows what the condition of United are, and are trying to take him on loan again by taking advantage of this.
Our club must now take a clear stand now. Either Antony should be sold straightaway in the market, or his agent should be told clearly that he should work on a permanent transfer instead of a loan. Otherwise, this cycle will be repeated every season. At this time, the club should focus not on Antony, but on the squad balance. It is time that Amorim and the board draw a clear line – the player who is not in the plans should leave the club permanently.
The Brazilian’s case is no longer just the player’s stubbornness; it has become the club’s weakness. United should strictly inform him and his entourage that if he does not move permanently, then he risks seeing himself on the stands whole season, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, where he would definitely want to play for his national team.