Manchester United face transfer conundrum as La Liga side threaten to walk away

 Manchester United continue to struggle to sell Antony

Nothing has been going straight at Manchester United for the past few years. There have been no results or stability in the Premier League. Every season brought new hope, but in the end, only disappointment was achieved. The club’s strategy in the transfer market also seemed scattered. Big names were brought in, but many players failed to perform as expected. Under Erik Ten Hag, hopes were raised, but old wounds resurfaced, and now with Ruben Amorim at the helm, the Red Devils are looking to consolidate yet again. Antony’s story is an example of this disintegration.

When United brought Antony in, everyone expected him to change the direction of the game from the right wing. Initially, there was some brilliance, but as his time at Old Trafford progressed, his limitations began to surface. Last season, the club sent him on loan to Real Betis, where he performed better. Now the transfer window is open again, and a new debate on this old chapter has begun.

Real Betis U-turn and Antony uncertainty

According to Diario de Sevilla, as relayed by Sport Witness, Real Betis have indicated that if Antony’s deal doesn’t work out, they will look for other options. Club president Angel Haro has clearly stated that if United’s demands go beyond the budget, a loan is the only viable option. Sporting director Fajardo has said that they are ready, and if Antony doesn’t come, they won’t consider it a failure. Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Manchester United want £50m for Antony.

“From an economic standpoint, it has to fit within our parameters. A purchase depends on United’s price. 

A loan rather than a purchase is more feasible, given what Manchester wants to ask for. We’re assuming, and Betis is making efforts, that he can arrive, but if he doesn’t, I don’t want it to be seen as a failure. It’s difficult to bring in a player of this quality and such a high financial compensation.

Our responsibility is to be prepared, and we have alternatives in case Antony doesn’t arrive. We’re calm.”

United want a permanent sale, not a loan this time. The club wants to close Antony’s chapter completely. He is no longer in Amorim’s plans, but Betis, who used him well last time, are again talking about a loan. The question is how much United will be willing to give this time.

The path must be clear, a deal, not a loan

As United fans, this whole story is getting tiresome. Betis’ tactics are quite clear—they want the club in a weak position so that they can get a cheap deal, but United must not fall into this trap. Carrying the Brazilian’s wages by repeatedly sending him out on loan is no longer wise. We also reported earlier that Antony is ready to lower his wages to make a move to United. 

Antony’s time at Old Trafford is over. The club needs a permanent solution for him, whether that’s Betis or someone else. Betis need leverage, but United must also show some spine. Time is short, and the club must extract the right amount of money from this deal if they are to rebuild its squad. Now we need solid decisions, not sentimentality. Whether Betis leave or make the deal, United must stand firm.