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Manuel Pellegrini Urges Manchester United to Decide on Antony’s Future

Manuel Pellegrini has issued a clear message to Manchester United regarding Antony’s future as Real Betis continue their pursuit of the Brazilian winger. The Daily Mail reports that Betis remain eager to complete a permanent deal after a successful loan spell last season, but negotiations have stalled.

Antony moved to Seville in January and made an instant impact, scoring nine goals and delivering five assists in 26 appearances. His performances helped Betis reach the Conference League final, cementing his reputation as a key figure in their attacking play. According to the report, “Betis remain keen on securing a permanent deal for the player, who cost United £85.5million in the summer of 2022.”

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Betis’ Determination and Pellegrini’s Message

Speaking to the media, Pellegrini was unequivocal about the situation. “I’ve not spoken with Antony,” he said. “We all know that he was very good here, we want him with us, and Antony wants to return no doubt. But we also need the owner, which is Manchester United, to make a decision.”

The Spanish club’s stance is clear. They want Antony back, and the player himself is keen to return, but the delay lies with Old Trafford. United are reportedly holding out for £40 million, a figure Betis have yet to match. The question now is whether compromise will come before the window closes.

United’s Dilemma and the ‘Bomb Squad’

Antony is one of five players frozen out by Ruben Amorim as United look to streamline their squad. Alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho, the Brazilian has been told to train away from the first team. Marcus Rashford was in this group before agreeing a season-long loan to Barcelona.

The difficulty for United lies in offloading these high-profile names. Garnacho is attracting interest from Chelsea, but talks remain stalled over valuation, while Sancho’s £20m move to Roma is reportedly delayed. Antony’s situation is equally complex. While Benfica and clubs from Saudi Arabia have shown interest, the winger is determined to return to Spain.

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Financial Implications for Old Trafford

United invested heavily in Antony when they signed him for £85.5m from Ajax in 2022. Selling him for £40m would represent a significant loss, but keeping a player who has no future under Amorim makes little sense. Betis are pushing hard, yet unless they raise their offer or United soften their stance, a deal remains in limbo.

For both clubs, time is running out. Betis want a marquee signing to strengthen their European ambitions, and Antony needs a fresh start. United, meanwhile, must decide whether cutting their losses now is better than prolonging an uncomfortable stand-off.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United supporters will have mixed emotions about this situation. Antony was a marquee signing, brought in at great expense with high expectations. Two years on, his time at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, defined by inconsistency and moments of off-field controversy. The decision to exile him from the first-team squad signals the end of his United career, but the financial hit is hard to accept.

Selling for £40m after spending £85.5m is a bitter pill, but reality bites in modern football. If Amorim has no plans to reintegrate him, retaining Antony serves no purpose. The focus should now shift to reinvestment. Any funds raised, combined with wage savings, could help United bring in players better suited to the new manager’s vision.

The frustration lies in poor recruitment and the lack of strategic planning. Big-money deals like Antony’s have burdened the club for years. Clearing the decks, even at a loss, might finally signal a new era of sensible, sustainable squad building.