How Man Utd fans reacted to Antony’s arrival at Old Trafford compared to his loan departure speaks volumes
Antony is set to leave Manchester United in January, with a loan move to Real Betis on the cards for the Brazilian winger.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports Real Betis have agreed verbally with Antony, his representatives, and with Manchester United. The £80m winger will depart on loan, with no obligation to buy for the La Liga side.
Despite a lack of attacking options at Old Trafford, the 24-year-old will be leaving Manchester, with Ruben Amorim keen on another attacker to replace him.
Rio Ferdinand agreed Antony needed to go, as do most Manchester United fans. This is a stark contrast to the feelings when he arrived.
The club announced an agreement was made for Antony’s arrival from Ajax on the 30th of August 2022.
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of @Antony00 🤝🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2022
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Manchester United supporters were buzzing. The club had a dynamic, skilful and exciting right-winger once again.
‘Our new wing wizard,’ one fan wrote, whilst another put ‘Tears, we finally have a good right-winger!’
Another expressed his delight: ‘Feeling good like I should! Finally replaced Mason Greenwood’.
Got a good feeling about this one…🔥
— Leah♡ (@LeahGS) August 30, 2022
Welcome to Manchester @antony00 🇾🇪🔴 #MUFC https://t.co/3lXCZ8Vs3F
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One Manchester United fan thought Antony was set to have United pushing for the Premier League title, he wrote: ‘Time to win the league’.
A chorus of ‘let’s go’ and ‘vamos’ also flooded the comments. United fans also began to look at Antony within the starting XI under Erik ten Hag.
De Gea; Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Malacia; Casemiro, Eriksen, Bruno; Antony, Martial/Rashford, Sancho
— Le Samouraï (@Damian_O_M) August 30, 2022
We about to have a whole new starting XI. We're rebuilding. Transforming. Improving. https://t.co/H0d3S70Rgx
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A side, that now looks rather alien from what is wanted under Ruben Amorim. With Antony’s loan departure imminent, it’s safe to say the mood has changed entirely on him.
As news broke about Betis’ loan deal, fans couldn’t help but reflect on his turbulent time at Manchester United. Admittedly some were delighted to see him go, labelling him as a ‘flop’.
One wrote, using an incorrect price tag: ‘Most useless buy ever for Manchester United. 100M waste.’
Another adds: ‘We pay the bulk of the salary, and he comes back in June. So what exactly is the essence of this transaction,’ failing to see the positives in allowing Antony to refind form elsewhere.
– 1 goal in his last 43 Premier League games.
— United Digital (@manunitedigital) January 20, 2025
– 5 Premier League goals since joining Man Utd in August 2022.
– 4.1% shooting success
– 654 minutes per goal
– From £20k per week at Ajax, to £200k per week at Man Utd.
Signed for €100m, now joining Real Betis on loan!
What an…
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Despite their frustrations, many also expressed goodwill and sympathy toward Antony, hoping he would find success and revitalise his career in La Liga.
One writes: ‘Let’s hope he regains his form. He is still young and talented. Given we spent too much on him, hopefully, we can get back some value’.
Someone else put: ‘We will miss him, to be honest, he had a lot of talent and potential but never really truly had the support from the fans and confidence from his managers. Hope he does well man.’
It hasn't worked out with Antony, but that €100M transfer fee that Murtough and Co. put on his back from DAY ONE has been too much for him.
— Ian Noakes (@IanDavidNoakes) January 20, 2025
Some will say the biggest players can handle it. I'd argue it doesn't help, and even the biggest can struggle too: Paul Pogba, Jack… pic.twitter.com/OpUxEKbvhO
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Antony will be back at Manchester United in June, but how he gets on in Spain remains to be seen. Go and prove the doubters wrong Antony, and come back to Old Trafford stronger.
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