Manchester United’s woes continue unabated in the new season despite a summer overhaul orchestrated by INEOS on Ruben Amorim’s orders.
It was decided that Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia were all surplus to requirements, and they were collectively referred to as the “bomb squad”.
The co-owners tried desperately to shift them permanently, and except for the Dutch full-back, all the others found new homes, including the Brazilian.
It was a pain to move the ex-Ajax ace on, given how stubborn he was that he would only join Real Betis, with whom he enjoyed a fantastic last six months.
Antony to Betis saga
The Spanish side kept lowballing the Red Devils, and even exited talks to build pressure while the Brazil international also asked for a huge payoff.
In the end, the 20-time English league champions held firm and the player left for Seville on deadline day. Since his move, the La Liga side and their players have kept taking potshots at the Old Trafford side for their treatment of Antony.
Now, the 25-year-old has also spoken up, claiming to El Desmarque (via Sport Witness) that he felt disrespected during the final few weeks of his United stint.
“They were very tough months in England, more than 40 days in the hotel, training separately… I feel like they disrespected me, but that’s not the point,” he said.
“I don’t want to create controversy; that’s life. I’m very grateful for the club; there were bad times, but also good times, with two titles.
Takes a dig at United
“My family travelled to Seville four or five days before the deal was finalised; I had the house rented.”
It was made clear to all exiled players that they had no future under Amorim, yet he tried to squeeze every last drop out of the club, while even having the audacity to ask for a payoff.
And it was the player who decided to stay in a hotel, and not the club. While it is good to see the left-footed attacker rebuilding his career at the Villamarin Stadium, the truth is he never had the personality to play for a club of United’s stature.
Another horrible transfer decision from Erik ten Hag that has set the club back by years. Thankfully, the chapter is over and fans can look forward to better days, whether that be under Amorim or someone else.
Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
