Prior to his deadline-day switch to Real Betis, Antony was being encouraged to stay and revive his Manchester United career.
The attacker made his long-awaited permanent switch to Betis in the very dying embers of the transfer window, although the move would’ve materialised much sooner had the club met United’s demands.
United were, understandably, unwilling to facilitate another loan move, and were instead keen on selling Antony permanently to try and recuperate some much-needed funds ahead of a campaign in which there’d be no Champions League football to balance the books.
Antony also tried his luck with requesting his contract be terminated and, therefore, he be paid off for the remaining two years he wouldn’t be fulfilling. This was swiftly declined by the board.
Eventually, Betis and United were able to meet in the middle and agree a deal worth £21.65 million all-in, plus a 50 per cent sell-on clause.
The 25-year-old is off the mark already in Seville after scoring and assisting in Betis’ Europa League opener at home to Nottingham Forest, although he is still waiting to open his account in La Liga this term.
Matheus Cunha wanted Antony to stay at United
He has reflected on his Red Devils departure numerous times already since leaving. However, he’s now revealed that one United star had actually tried to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford.
“Matheus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult. I’m very fond of him,” disclosed Antony via AS.
Further, he touched on his relationship with the United boss, adding: “I didn’t talk much with Ruben Amorim, we didn’t have much contact.”
“[It was] his decision to have me train separately. But it had to be respected. Today I’m fine, I took care of myself by training well even though I was separated. After three months, I played 90 minutes and that’s the result of what I was working towards.”
