Manchester United could be heading for a significant squad revamp this summer, and one player who seems particularly keen to leave is Brazilian winger Antony. Currently on loan at Real Betis, the former Ajax star is reportedly eager to make his move away from Old Trafford permanent. His determination to depart has grown following recent comments from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s part-owner, who has been openly critical of some of United’s past transfer decisions.
Ratcliffe has made it clear that he intends to reshape the squad and has not hesitated to express his dissatisfaction with certain players signed under previous management. In a recent interview, he specifically mentioned Antony as part of a group of acquisitions that he believes have not delivered the expected impact. Alongside Antony, Ratcliffe also pointed to Casemiro, André Onana, and Jadon Sancho as signings that have not entirely justified their hefty price tags or contributed as expected.
The British billionaire acknowledged that these signings were made before his involvement with the club and suggested that dealing with them is now part of the challenge he faces. He stated that if one were to analyze United’s current acquisitions in comparison to past signings, it becomes evident that players like Antony, Casemiro, Onana, and Sancho were all brought in before the new leadership could implement its own strategy. According to him, these signings represent decisions made by the previous regime, and his task now is to address and rectify those choices to move the club forward.
Antony, who joined Manchester United in 2022 for a fee of around £85 million, has struggled to justify his price tag with inconsistent performances. His time at Old Trafford has been underwhelming, and his lack of goal contributions, along with struggles in adapting to the Premier League, has led to growing criticism. With Ratcliffe publicly acknowledging that Antony was a signing from the past that the club must now “sort out,” it appears increasingly likely that the Brazilian will not be part of United’s long-term plans.
Antony’s loan spell at Real Betis has reportedly reignited his desire for a fresh start, and he is keen to secure a permanent move away from United. His eagerness to leave could be fueled by the realization that he no longer features in the club’s long-term vision, particularly given Ratcliffe’s candid remarks about reshaping the squad. With United preparing for an overhaul, Antony’s future remains uncertain, but all signs point towards an exit as the club looks to correct past transfer missteps.
