Manchester, England – Manchester United have reportedly turned down an approach from Spanish La Liga side Real Betis for the loan signing of their Brazilian winger, Antony. The Premier League giants are understood to have swiftly dismissed the inquiry, signaling their intent to retain the 25-year-old at Old Trafford.
Sources close to the club indicate that while Real Betis expressed interest in securing Antony’s services on a temporary basis for the upcoming 2025/2026 season, Manchester United are not keen on letting the player leave, even on loan. The club hierarchy and manager Erik ten Hag are believed to still have faith in Antony’s potential and see him as an important part of their future plans.
Antony arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2022 from Ajax in a high-profile transfer. While his debut season showed glimpses of his talent, including a memorable goal against Barcelona in the Europa League, his second season has been marked by inconsistency and a struggle to consistently deliver impactful performances. Despite this, Ten Hag has often publicly backed the player, emphasizing his work rate and potential to improve.
Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, were seemingly looking to bolster their attacking options and saw Antony as a player who could add flair and dynamism to their squad. The Seville-based club have a history of providing opportunities for players looking to revive their careers and have often utilized the loan market effectively. However, their interest in Antony has been met with a firm stance from Manchester United.
The decision to reject the loan offer underscores Manchester United’s current strategy regarding their squad. Despite ongoing speculation about potential incomings and outgoings in the summer transfer window, the club appears determined to maintain a degree of stability and provide opportunities for their existing players to develop and prove their worth.
It remains to be seen whether Real Betis will pursue their interest further with an improved offer or turn their attention to other targets. For Antony, this decision means he is set to continue his career at Old Trafford, where he will likely face increased pressure to deliver consistent performances and justify the faith shown in him by the club and the manager. The upcoming pre-season will be crucial for the Brazilian international to stake his claim for a regular starting spot in a competitive Manchester United side aiming to challenge for top honors in the next campaign. Fans will be keenly watching his progress and hoping to see the exciting talent that prompted his big-money move to England come to the fore.
Be the first to comment