Antony reveals Man Utd star who wanted him to stay after Betis exit request
Antony has opened up on his Manchester United exit and revealed that new signing Matheus Cunha urged him to stay at Old Trafford before his move to Real Betis.
The Brazilian winger joined United in an £85 million transfer under Erik ten Hag, but his time in Manchester struggled to live up to expectations.
When Ten Hag was sacked in October 2024, Antony’s United career appeared to stall completely. The arrival of Rúben Amorim signaled a shift away from traditional wingers, effectively ending his first-team prospects.
By January, he was sent on loan to Real Betis, where his form dramatically improved scoring nine goals and assisting five as the Spanish club reached the Conference League final.
Speaking to AS, Antony revealed Cunha who arrived from Wolves last summer tried convincing him to stay.
“Matheus wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult,” Antony said.
During the uncertainty, Antony was forced to train separately from the main squad at Carrington while Betis negotiated a permanent deal.
“I didn’t speak much with Amorim,” Antony admitted. “His decision was a given, and I had to respect it. I just focused on keeping myself fit.”
The Brazilian says he’s now “happy and playing freely” again in Spain, recently scoring and assisting in Betis’ Europa League draw with Nottingham Forest.
Over the years, several Manchester United wingers have found redemption away from Old Trafford. Memphis Depay rebuilt his career at Lyon after a tough Premier League spell, Ángel Di María shone again with PSG, and Wilfried Zaha rediscovered his best form back at Crystal Palace.
Antony’s resurgence at Betis now follows a familiar pattern one that reminds fans how careers can be reborn once the pressure of Old Trafford fades
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