Antony Escapes Man Utd Disaster with Dream Permanent Transfer
Antony has returned to his preferred destination after finalizing a transfer to Spanish club Real Betis from Manchester United on the final day of the transfer window.
The Brazilian winger initially joined Man Utd in 2022 for a base fee of €95 million (£82.3 million, $111 million). Antony was among several priority signings for former manager Erik ten Hag, but the 25-year-old struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. Throughout 62 Premier League matches, he managed only five goals and added three assists, failing to find consistency at the club.
The transfer carries a reported price tag of €25 million, representing a significant financial loss considering Man Utd's investment just three years prior, though the Red Devils negotiated a 50% sell-on clause should Antony rediscover his form and Betis profit from a future sale.
Finding himself marginalized when Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag last season, Antony secured a January loan switch to Betis where he immediately won over supporters. During 29 matches for the Andalusian club, Antony contributed 14 times (nine goals, five assists), helping the team secure European qualification and advance to the UEFA Conference League final.
Despite falling short against Chelsea in the final, Antony and Real Betis appeared perfectly suited for a player who faced criticism throughout his Man Utd tenure.
When the summer transfer market opened, several Red Devils players were considered expendable by Amorim including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and the Brazilian. Rashford moved to Barcelona on loan and Garnacho recently secured a permanent transfer to Chelsea, while Sancho is reportedly nearing a loan agreement with Aston Villa.
Man Utd have acquired players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško this summer to support Amorim's offensive and cultural transformation, though the start has been challenging.
The Red Devils have secured victory in only one of their first three Premier League fixtures and suffered elimination in the Carabao Cup second round against League Two opponents Grimsby Town.