Manchester United’s decision to send Antony on loan has sparked debate, especially since it defied the wishes of manager Ruben Amorim. The Brazilian winger, who joined the club for a hefty £81 million, is now set to spend the remainder of the season with Spanish side Real Betis. The loan deal, while offering Antony the chance for consistent game time, raises questions about the dynamics between the manager and the board at Old Trafford.
Antony’s move to Real Betis signifies an attempt to reignite his career after a challenging spell at Manchester United. The 24-year-old winger has struggled for form and minutes this season, making only 14 appearances in all competitions, with just three starts.
The loan agreement includes a unique clause ensuring Antony gets regular playing time at Betis. If the Spanish club fails to provide him with sufficient minutes, they will face financial penalties—a clear indication of United’s intent to secure the winger’s development during his time away.
Despite these provisions, there’s no option for Real Betis to make the move permanent, which means Manchester United views Antony as a player who still has a future at Old Trafford.
United boss Ruben Amorim expressed his desire to keep Antony at the club. During a press conference, Amorim stated, “I want to keep my players. Antony did a good job and has been working hard to improve.” However, the board had other ideas, prioritizing Antony’s development through consistent game time.
This move highlights the tension between managerial autonomy and board-level decisions at major clubs. Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, revealed last month that several clubs were interested in securing a loan deal for the winger. Pedroso acknowledged that while Antony was committed to regaining his place at United, a loan move was seen as a strategic opportunity for him to rebuild confidence and showcase his abilities.
Antony’s time at Manchester United began with great promise, as he scored in his first three Premier League appearances following his high-profile transfer from Ajax. However, inconsistent performances and a lack of opportunities under successive managers led to his diminished role in the squad.
The loan to Real Betis offers Antony a chance to hit the reset button. Betis, a club with a reputation for playing an attacking brand of football, could provide the perfect platform for the Brazilian to rediscover his form. For United, this arrangement keeps their long-term investment intact while offering Antony a chance to return as a more polished player.
