Antony’s journey from Manchester United to Real Betis has taken an unforeseen turn, casting doubt on his return to Old Trafford. The Brazilian winger, who moved to Betis on loan in January 2025 to gain regular playing time and rebuild his confidence, has now hinted that his comeback to United may not happen. The turning point appears to have been a recent phone call with Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, which led Antony to reconsider his future with the club.
At Manchester United, Antony’s time was marked by inconsistency and limited opportunities. Despite his high transfer fee, he struggled to make an impact, featuring mostly as a substitute in Premier League matches. The arrival of Amorim as United’s manager further diminished Antony’s prospects of securing a regular spot in the starting lineup. Although Amorim initially seemed open to helping the winger regain his form, it soon became apparent that Antony would need a new environment to thrive.
The loan move to Real Betis has proven beneficial for Antony. Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, he has revitalized his career, scoring three goals and providing two assists in his first few games. The tactical freedom offered by Betis’ attacking style has allowed Antony to rediscover his dribbling prowess, speed, and confidence on the ball. He has openly expressed his happiness in Spain, crediting the club’s playstyle, the support of the fans, and Pellegrini’s trust for his resurgence. According to Antony, choosing to move to Betis was the best decision for his career at this point.
Initially, Antony intended to return to Manchester United after his loan spell ended. However, the conversation with Amorim seems to have shifted his outlook significantly. While the details of their exchange remain undisclosed, Antony’s remarks suggest that Amorim’s tactical vision for United may not include him. This has raised questions about the winger’s long-term future at Old Trafford, with many speculating that he might seek a permanent transfer away from the club.
Real Betis, impressed by Antony’s performances, could pursue a permanent deal despite not having a purchase option in the loan agreement. Financial limitations might pose a challenge for the Spanish club, but given their history of smart transfer dealings, a move could still be on the cards. Meanwhile, other European clubs, including Bayern Munich and several Serie A teams, have reportedly started monitoring Antony’s situation, recognizing his potential value in the upcoming transfer window.
For Manchester United, Antony’s possible departure could signify the end of a challenging chapter. His difficulties in adapting to the Premier League’s physical and fast-paced nature contrasted sharply with his success in the Eredivisie at Ajax. United’s management now faces a crucial decision: to either reintegrate Antony into the squad against his apparent wishes or to facilitate a transfer that benefits all parties involved. Given the club’s interest in signing new wingers, a sale could generate necessary funds for reinforcements.
Antony’s immediate focus will be maintaining his form at Betis, as his performances could dictate his next move. Whether he secures a permanent stay in Spain, attracts interest from another European giant, or makes an unexpected return to Manchester, his career is at a pivotal point. For now, his future remains uncertain but undeniably intriguing.
