Manchester United had a turbulent summer. It brought several high-profile exits. But one departure has now sparked fresh controversy.
A player once signed for £84 million has lifted the lid on what really happened before his Old Trafford exit.
Antony was linked with a move away for months. The Brazilian was struggling to justify his record price tag since joining from Ajax.
Eventually, he sealed a permanent transfer to Real Betis before the window closed. Yet behind that move lies a story of tension, isolation, and what he describes as “disrespect.”
Under Ruben Amorim, the 25-year-old was not with the main squad during pre-season.
Instead, Antony was placed in what many at the club called a bomb squad.
Others in that bomb squad included the likes of Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford. They have also departed since then.
However, the Brazilian’s words reveal a far more personal struggle. Speaking to ESPN, he said his final weeks at Carrington were some of the hardest of his career.
“It was a really difficult time. I trained separately for more than a month. Over 40 days in hotels with my father, training alone in the evenings while the rest trained in the morning. I’m grateful for the experience, but it was painful.”
Antony went on to say that he faced cold treatment from within the club during that period.
“I think there was a bit of disrespect there, a bit of rudeness, too, with no one said good morning or good afternoon. There wasn’t even that.”
After his permanent move to Real Betis, Antony has slowly rebuilt his confidence. He arrived late in the window. Still, he has already started five matches for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Antony’s first goal and assist came in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Nottingham Forest.
Now, after scoring 10 goals and assisting six times in 31 appearances for Betis in 2025, the winger finally seems to be finding the peace and rhythm that once escaped him at Old Trafford.
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