Man Utd announce Antony exit as loan deal agreed

Manchester United have confirmed Antony’s loan Exit to Real Betis for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

The divisive Brazilian winger joined United for a fee in excess of £80 million in the summer of 2022 and scored in his first three Premier League appearances. Antony only managed two top goals in the following two and a half years.

Having lost his position in the Home Xi under Erik Ten Hag – his former Ajax manager who was the driving force behind his undoubtedly overpriced transfer – Antony was barely offered any playing time during Ruben Amorim’s short reign.

The 24-year-old was set to pull a deduction from Old Trafford in January and arrived in Spain this weekend to undergo a medical with Betis. Antony described himself as “so lucky” to have agreed this loan deal.

United released a statement on Saturday afternoon confirming Antony’s loan move “subject to international clearance”. At the end of the publication, the club concluded: “Everyone at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck in his spell at Sevilla.”

The news broke a matter of minutes after Real Betis secured a 1-0 win over Mallorca courtesy of Cedric Bakambu’s 96th-minute winner. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have climbed into the top half of the table and remain well placed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League.

Manchester United are struggling in comparison. This iteration of the Red Devils has been described by their own manager as “the worst team in Manchester United’s history” and is closer to the relegation zone than the division’s top seven.

Amorim is said to be unhappy with United’s inactivity in the January window. The departure of Antony, who has had most of his wages covered by Real Betis, could open up some funds for new recruits. The Premier League outfit is actively pursuing Lecce Patrick Dorgu Lecce but has rejected several bids from the Serie A bosses.

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