Sports Press Photo

Manchester United Ready to Sell Another Big-Name Flop

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 2:43 PM ET

Since arriving on loan, Antony has been one of the most talked-about players in European football. Playing alongside Isco, Marc Bartra, Giovanni Lo Celso, and Pablo Fornals, he’s rediscovered the best form of his career. Betis want to keep him, but Manchester United are demanding at least £30 million, making negotiations difficult.

Antony joined United in the same season that Erik ten Hag, his former Ajax manager, took over at Old Trafford. Ten Hag brought him in as part of a new project, but things quickly unraveled. Antony’s flashy skills and lack of discipline didn’t click in the Premier League, and he soon found himself benched.

With both sides frustrated, a loan to Betis was seen as the best solution — and it paid off. Antony became a key part of the Betis attack, thriving next to Isco. Now, for Betis to continue their upward momentum, they’ll need to reach a deal — but United’s asking price remains a barrier.

Speaking to DAZN, team captain Isco joked about the situation: “We need to start one of those crowdfunding campaigns to try and bring him back for at least one more year.”

Antony has five goals and four assists in 17 games with Betis so far, and it’s set to make a run for the Champions League spot next season—something that can add to the narrative for the Verdeblanco to invest more money on the player.

ANTONY SCORES WITH REAL BETIS! pic.twitter.com/AoBPOQEwvG
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) April 21, 2025

Antony Represents Another Flawed Attempt at Rebuilding Manchester United

The last time Manchester United won the Premier League was in 2013, with a squad that blended seasoned veterans nearing the end of their careers and young rising stars. Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, and Wayne Rooney were among the last standing from the squad that dominated the 2008–09 season. That team lifted every major trophy: the Club World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield and FA Cup.

Shortly after that peak, Cristiano Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid, and although United managed to stay competitive for a few more years, things gradually unraveled.

Big-name signings during the Glazer era—such as Ángel Di María, Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho, Alexis Sánchez, and Antony—failed to meet expectations. Many of these players arrived from top clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund, yet few left with fond memories. Ironically, several of them thrived both before and after their time at Old Trafford.

For years, United failed to build a sustainable project. They even parted ways with key players like David De Gea, arguably one of the best goalkeepers of the past decade. And despite the occasional bright spot—such as a Europe League semi-final appearance—the club still seems far from reclaiming Premier League glory.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: