Members of Manchester United’s top brass were reportedly unimpressed with Ruben Amorim’s analysis that Antony lacks the physicality needed to compete in the Premier League.
Antony is enjoying a dramatic change in fortunes since leaving United in January to join Real Betis on loan. In eight games so far for the Spanish outfit, he has managed three goals and as many assists.
He scored only 12 goals in 96 appearances for United since his £85 million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
Amorim recently attributed Antony’s struggles in England to the physical demands of the Premier League – remarks that were not didn’t land well with the player’s entourage.
Antony’s agent – Junior Pedroso – came out in full swing, branding Amorim’s argument as “superficial” and unrealistic.
Pedroso insisted that Amorim did not give his client a run of games to prove his worth, as he also blamed United for the winger’s failures.
Now, Brazilian news outlet UOL reveal that Amorim’s remarks also ruffled a few feathers among United’s hierarchy.
It’s understood the Red Devils have already made the decision to sell Antony this summer as “there is no longer any atmosphere” for him to line up for the club again.
UOL add, “The Portuguese coach’s recent criticism of the former São Paulo player’s physical appearance did not go down well behind the scenes at the Red Devils.”
“The directors believe that the statements devalued one of the club’s assets in the transfer market.”
United hope to recoup most of the £85m they forked out to secure Antony’s services and as such, they don’t want to see him being “publicly depreciated.”
United would prefer the media coverage around the 25-year-old to be positive, in an effort to maximise the amount they’re able to acquire from permanently parting ways with him.
Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
