Report: Man Utd’s Bold Move to Reject Loan Bids From Real Betis | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Deadline Day Decisions: A Closer Look

Manchester United’s recent rejection of deadline-day loan offers for Antony and Christian Eriksen has sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike. According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils turned down an approach from Real Betis, who were keen to secure both players on season-long loan deals. This decision, which comes amid a mixed start to the Premier League season for Erik ten Hag’s side, raises several questions about the club’s strategy and future plans for these key players.

Why United Rejected Real Betis’ Offers

The summer transfer window saw Manchester United make several moves, but the decision to reject Real Betis’ loan offers for Antony and Eriksen suggests a clear intent from the club to retain squad depth. Despite both players seeing limited action in the opening weeks of the season—accumulating just 18 minutes between them—Ten Hag appears determined to keep them at Old Trafford. This is particularly noteworthy given the departures of Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho, who left the club on Deadline Day.

Photo IMAGO

While Fabrizio Romano has disputed the existence of a bid for Antony, the Daily Mail insists that a loan offer was indeed tabled and subsequently rejected. The reasoning behind United’s decision likely stems from a need to maintain squad depth, especially with a congested fixture list on the horizon. Ten Hag’s reluctance to let more players leave after McTominay and Sancho’s exits underscores the importance of having experienced options available throughout the season.

Antony’s Struggles and Future at Old Trafford

Antony, who joined United for a staggering €95 million in 2022, has struggled to find consistent form in his first season. Despite this, the Brazilian winger remains confident about his future at the club. Speaking to The Mirror, Antony expressed his determination to improve, stating: “I definitely need more goal participations and to score more. Rest assured, you’ll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists.”

However, with younger talents like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, Antony faces an uphill battle to justify his hefty price tag. His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €28 million, a reflection of his underwhelming performances thus far.

Eriksen’s Situation and Ajax Interest

Christian Eriksen’s situation is somewhat different. The Danish midfielder, who has been edged out by the likes of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, could still be on the move, with his former club Ajax reportedly interested in bringing him back before the Eredivisie transfer window closes on September 2. Despite his limited role at United, Eriksen’s experience and quality make him an attractive option for many clubs, and a move could benefit all parties if he continues to struggle for game time under Ten Hag.

Photo: IMAGO

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The Brazilian winger’s first season was far from impressive, and with his transfer value plummeting, fans are justified in questioning whether keeping him at Old Trafford is the best decision. Antony’s promise of improvement is encouraging, but supporters will want to see tangible results on the pitch rather than mere words.

Moreover, the retention of Christian Eriksen, despite Ajax’s interest, could be viewed as a missed opportunity. Given his limited involvement so far this season, allowing him to leave might have freed up wages and created space for younger talents to emerge. As the season progresses, Ten Hag’s decisions will come under increasing scrutiny, especially if results do not improve. United fans are right to expect more from a squad that has underperformed in recent years, and the pressure is on for both Antony and Eriksen to deliver.