Report: Man United Winger Linked With La Liga Move | OneFootball

Antony Edges Closer to Manchester United Exit

The Telegraph are reporting on Antony’s uncertain future at Old Trafford. The 25-year-old winger appears to be on the verge of a permanent move away from Manchester United, with Real Betis leading the chase after his successful loan spell in La Liga last season.

Real Betis Move Gathering Pace

As reported, “there is an agreement in principle for Antony to head back to Betis,” which would likely take the form of an initial loan with an obligation to buy. The Brazilian, signed for a staggering £82 million from Ajax in 2022, has struggled to meet expectations in the Premier League and has now slipped further down the pecking order.

Manchester United’s hierarchy, according to The Telegraph, “have made it clear that there is little chance of Antony resurrecting his Old Trafford career.” For a player once considered central to Erik ten Hag’s rebuild, this represents a dramatic fall from grace.

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A Costly Misstep

Antony’s time at Old Trafford has been marked by inconsistency, flashes of flair, and questions about his end product. His situation is emblematic of a recruitment policy that has often been criticised for lacking long-term planning. While his exit won’t recoup the full outlay, United appear keen to draw a line under a transfer that never delivered.

The winger was also one of five players who missed the start of pre-season training, as the club openly looked for solutions to trim the squad and refresh the dressing room dynamic. With Real Betis keen and the player himself pushing for a fresh start, the move looks increasingly inevitable.

United’s Wider Squad Rebuild

Antony’s departure would mark another chapter in United’s summer clear-out, as the club attempts to cut costs and reshape the squad for the season ahead. It’s a signal that United are willing to be ruthless with players who no longer fit the project.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, Antony’s likely departure to Real Betis feels bittersweet. On the one hand, there was real excitement when he arrived – an £82 million marquee signing from Ajax, personally backed by Erik ten Hag. His flair, confidence, and moments of brilliance promised much. But in truth, supporters have never consistently seen the player United thought they were getting.

Many fans will point to his lack of goals and assists as evidence that the Premier League was a step too far. While he showed flashes – especially in European nights and high-pressure games – he often looked predictable, cutting inside on his left foot without variation. That predictability made him easier to defend against, and ultimately his numbers didn’t justify his price tag.

Still, there is frustration that United failed to build a system that might have got more from him. Like several high-priced signings before him, Antony became a symbol of poor recruitment and the immense pressure that comes with being a big-money arrival at Old Trafford.

If his move to Real Betis becomes permanent, many United fans will likely wish him well but see it as a necessary step. His departure frees up wages, reduces the clutter in the squad, and hopefully allows the club to focus on signings that better fit the style of play moving forward. For most supporters, it will go down as another expensive misstep – but one that must be learned from if United are to rebuild properly.