Antony joined Manchester United from Ajax during the final days of the 2022 summer transfer window in a deal worth £82 million, with the potential for additional add-ons. The Brazilian winger, who had previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax, struggled to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League right from the start.
Since making the move to Old Trafford, Antony has managed only 12 goals and five assists in 93 appearances across all competitions. His inconsistent performances led to a decline in his role under Ten Hag before the manager’s dismissal earlier this season. Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, Antony has continued to face limited opportunities, often finding himself out of the starting lineup.
According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, Real Betis has shown interest in signing Antony during the upcoming January transfer window. The 23-year-old winger is among a group of players Manchester United is reportedly looking to offload as part of a larger squad overhaul. Given the club’s constrained financial situation, United is expected to rely on player sales to generate funds for Amorim to rebuild the squad and address key areas of weakness.
Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, recently acknowledged the growing interest in his client ahead of the January window. In an interview with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pedroso revealed that several clubs have inquired about Antony’s availability and sought clarity on his future. Despite the speculation, Pedroso emphasized that neither he nor Antony has received explicit communication from United indicating that the winger is no longer part of the club’s plans.
However, various reports suggest that Manchester United is prepared to part ways with Antony as they work to reshape the squad and meet performance expectations. The club’s decision to potentially sell the Brazilian reflects the disappointing returns on their significant investment, as Antony’s form has fallen short of expectations.
For Antony, a move to Real Betis could offer the chance to rejuvenate his career in La Liga, where his technical skillset might be better suited to the league’s style of play. From United’s perspective, selling Antony could provide a crucial financial boost to fund new signings and address pressing squad needs.
While Pedroso’s comments highlight that Antony still holds value in the transfer market, United’s lack of direct communication with the player underscores the complexity of managing morale while pursuing strategic transfer decisions. Should a transfer to Betis or another club materialize, Manchester United will need to ensure the deal maximizes financial returns and places Antony in an environment where he can rediscover his form.