Emotional exit: Antony’s Man United struggles end with Betis switch

Antony transfer news has dominated deadline day, with the Brazilian winger finally sealing a permanent move from Manchester United to Real Betis. After weeks of uncertainty, the 25-year-old completed a £19m deal — rising to £21.6m with add-ons — as United cut their losses on a player who cost £86m just three years ago.

According to reports from Spanish outlet Marca, Betis pushed until the very last minutes of the window to secure the winger, who had made his desire to return to Seville clear throughout the summer. Manchester United inserted a 50% sell-on clause, ensuring future protection if Antony revives his value in La Liga.

The Brazilian was reduced to training alone in Carrington after telling Amorim and the United hierarchy that he wanted out. Betis, where Antony enjoyed a fruitful loan last season, became his sole focus. The move was finally confirmed with just 15 minutes left before the transfer deadline slammed shut.

For a player who arrived as one of Ten Hag’s trusted Ajax signings, Antony’s emotional goodbye summed up a turbulent journey. Can United afford to let another big-money signing go for a fraction of the price?

United’s decision to sanction Antony’s departure highlights the wider reset. With Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also unsettled, the club could no longer afford the luxury of a wantaway winger taking up wages and squad space.

The £19m fee looks modest against the £86m United paid Ajax in 2022, but United’s strategy is now about cutting losses and planning ahead, rather than clinging to fading projects.

From an analytical perspective, Antony’s departure is less about his individual quality and more about United’s shifting identity. At Betis, he slots into a possession-based system where wingers get freedom to attack defenders one-v-one. At United, he became predictable and isolated in a team struggling for balance.

For Betis, it’s a bargain signing that energises their fanbase and strengthens European hopes. For United, it’s another painful reminder of poor recruitment and an urgent need to refine transfer strategy under INEOS.

At Betis, Antony is expected to slot straight back into Manuel Pellegrini’s attack, with the Seville crowd already preparing a hero’s welcome. His nine goals and five assists last season set the bar — now he’ll be judged on whether he can produce over a full campaign and push Betis into the top six of La Liga.

For Manchester United, Antony’s exit closes the door on a failed chapter but coincides with a major attacking rebuild. Rúben Amorim has already reshaped the frontline, adding Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo in a £200m summer overhaul. That trio gives United fresh pace, power and versatility, meaning Antony’s departure will be felt more in financial terms than tactical ones.

Will Amorim’s new-look United attack prove Antony was expendable — or could the Brazilian shine in Spain and leave Old Trafford with regrets?