‘I think so’: Club chief believes they will have Man Utd star at their disposal next season

Stretty News

·11 de febrero de 2025

‘I think so’: Club chief believes they will have Man Utd star at their disposal next season

Among the three forwards shipped out on loan by Manchester United this winter was Antony, who departed Old Trafford without making a single Premier League start in 2024/2025.

Erik ten Hag’s £86 million man had even fallen out of favour under the Dutchman during his final season in charge, so when Ruben Amorim took the reins last November, there was little to no opportunity for Antony to stake a claim for a starting spot.

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Amorim granted the Brazilian nine appearances to showcase his abilities, which included two starts against Bodø/Glimt in the UEL and the infamous 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, though he lasted only 55 minutes in the latter before being replaced.

Now, since swapping Manchester for Seville by joining Real Betis, Antony has already equalled his goal tally for the first half of the term in red, notching a goal on just his second La Liga appearance in a 3-2 loss to Celta Vigo.

Real Betis chief opens door to Antony signing

Antony has been named Player of the Match in each of his first two appearances. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

It’s possible that, with Antony, he’s simply one of those players who can flourish in other top European leagues – but not in England. His style of play and attacking prowess aren’t to the calibre required of Premier League forwards, and, unfortunately for United, the division’s defenders had him all figured out after his first few appearances.

INEOS are perhaps better off cutting their losses and accepting that the 24-year-old isn’t suited to the English top flight by allowing him to continue in Spain beyond the current campaign.

Such a prospect has already been green-lit by the Betis CEO, Ramon Alarcon, who was pressed on the matter this week.

“I think so (we could keep Antony long-term). The other day, the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset,” said Alarcon, as cited by Sport Witness.

“There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”

It’s worth noting there’s no buy option included in the loan agreement between the sides, so they’d have to meet in the summer to negotiate any potential transfer fee.