Manchester United Forward ‘Wants to Leave’ and has Already Decided his Next Club | OneFootball

Antony’s Future in Limbo as Betis Play the Waiting Game

Manchester United find themselves in a precarious situation as Brazilian winger Antony pushes for an exit, making it unequivocally clear he has only one destination in mind — Real Betis. According to a recent report by Sport, the former Ajax man has communicated to United that he wants to return to Seville, where he rekindled his form and happiness during a fruitful loan spell.

United, however, are caught between commercial logic and a player’s emotional pull. The club’s stance remains unchanged: they want to sell to the highest bidder. This would ideally involve interest from Saudi Arabia, whose clubs are willing to meet United’s financial expectations. Yet Antony has “made it clear to United that he wants to leave the club this summer and that he only wants to do so to return to Betis”.

Antony’s One-Club Ultimatum

What complicates matters for United is Antony’s unwavering refusal to entertain any offers other than Betis. This firm stance has left the club exposed as the clock ticks down on the transfer window. As Sport reports, “Antony is not willing to give in either and has made it clear that he will not accept any offer that does not bear the seal of the Andalusian club”.

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It’s a bold strategy, underpinned by the winger’s willingness to slash his wages in order to force through the move. This speaks volumes about the level of comfort and confidence he found during his short time at Estadio Benito Villamarín.

Betis Confident Despite Financial Restraints

Betis are aware of their limitations but are using time as a weapon. They hope to wear down United’s resolve by extending negotiations. Their strategy includes a structured deal: around €20 million with a percentage of Antony’s future sale rights, according to AS, as cited in Sport. This aligns with the club’s long-term vision and cautious spending habits.

Though financially weaker, Betis are not without leverage. They know Antony’s mind is made up and that United are under pressure to avoid holding onto an unsettled player who may become a dressing-room liability. The longer this saga drags on, the more it favours the Spanish outfit.

United Risk a Late-Market Headache

This transfer tug-of-war could come back to haunt Manchester United. With Ruben Amorim preparing for his second season in charge, clarity and squad balance are vital. Antony’s situation threatens to become a distraction. United “do not want to find themselves on the verge of closing the transfer market without first having ‘shelved’ the matter of the striker,” Sport notes.

Still, they are adamant about not giving the Brazilian away. But Betis know patience is their ally. As things stand, Antony is prepared to wait, reduce his salary and even miss out on early-season action just to get his desired move. For United, the gamble lies in how far they’re willing to call his bluff.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s point of view, this entire situation reeks of poor asset management. Antony was a €95 million signing, touted as a game-changing winger who could inject flair and goals into our right-hand side. Three seasons later, we are here, haggling over €20 million with a club that can’t even offer a proper buyout. It’s hard not to feel a bit insulted.

Ruben Amorim must be furious behind closed doors. He needs clarity, not a player who clearly wants out and is refusing all options except one. United should have taken stronger control of the narrative earlier in the summer. If Saudi clubs are willing to overpay, why weren’t negotiations forced in that direction when the window opened?

That said, Antony’s attachment to Betis is admirable in a human sense. We saw flashes of his talent there last season. But sentiment doesn’t rebuild dynasties. Manchester United need to protect their investments. If he goes for a cut-price deal, there must be a sizeable sell-on clause or performance-related add-ons to make the exit palatable.

Letting this drag on until deadline day only weakens us. Whether he stays or goes, the club need resolution soon, so Amorim can look ahead without distractions.