Manchester United outcast available for £42m felt hopeless at the club

The Brazil international played 26 games in all competitions for Betis last season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. Alongside creative playmaker Isco, Antony thrived under Manuel Pellegrini, taking Betis to the UEFA Conference League final during last season.

Speaking to Brazil’s Football Federation (CBF) (via Sky Sports), Antony revealed the feeling of hopelessness during his time with United amid his triumphant return to the Brazil national team. He said:

“It was one of the most emotional moments. I mentioned to some friends here in the national team that this call-up was more exciting than the first time I came here [October 2021], and it was even more emotional because of everything I’ve been through. Being in good shape, hitting rock bottom, and having the resilience that I had, with the help of God and my family, was very important. Even though I had no hope during the difficult time (at Manchester United) I was going through, at the same time I remembered many things I had experienced. I stopped to think and said to myself: ‘I haven’t forgotten how to play soccer, I didn’t play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn’t make it to the national team for nothing.’ Everything happens for a reason, and this process was very necessary for my life because it made me stronger.”

As the 25-year-old remains surplus, the Red Devils are hoping for a swift departure for Antony this summer. Amorim has already targeted the attacking department as the priority with the club signing Matheus Cunha earlier in the window.

United need to make sure that they will secure all the players that suit Amorim’s profile and would help him. As for Antony, parting ways is a mutually beneficial and the only path from here on, as United need to raise funds by selling their surplus.

Nevertheless, his tumultuous tenure at United highlights the struggle that many players have faced at the club. With the right hierarchy and gradual improvement, United want such individual experiences to end, just like the fanbase. The Brazilian international is available for €50m (£42m), and hopefully that deal will happen soon for the sake of all parties involved.