Three-year Old Trafford stay drawing to a close

Antony's underwhelming Manchester United career appears to be reaching its conclusion, with the Brazilian winger reportedly on the verge of leaving the club three years after his arrival at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has long been viewed as one of United's most saleable assets, and reports now suggest a permanent exit is finally close — bringing an end to a spell that never lived up to its enormous price tag.

Big-money move that never delivered

Antony arrived at United in the summer of 2022, reuniting with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in a deal worth in the region of £85 million — one of the most expensive transfers in the club's history. Expectations were high for the skilful right-winger, but his output never matched the investment, with goals and assists proving scarce across his Premier League campaigns.

Following Ruben Amorim's appointment as head coach, Antony slipped further down the pecking order and was eventually deemed surplus to requirements, joining a growing list of high-profile players ushered towards the exit as the Portuguese reshapes his squad.

Revival away from Manchester

A loan move to Real Betis offered Antony a lifeline, and he grasped it with both hands. The winger rediscovered his confidence and form in Seville, producing a string of eye-catching performances that reminded observers of the talent which once made him one of Europe's most coveted wide players.

That resurgence in Spain revived interest in his signature and paved the way for what now looks to be an inevitable permanent departure from United, with the player understood to be keen on continuing his career away from Old Trafford.

Part of a wider clear-out

Antony is far from the only name on United's transfer list. The club have been working to move on a number of fringe players — including the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho — as Amorim looks to trim the wage bill and fund his own rebuild following a dismal domestic campaign.

Three years after arriving as a marquee signing, Antony's exit would close one of the more disappointing chapters of United's recent recruitment history — and both club and player will be desperate for a clean break before the new season gets underway.