Antony makes his plan over Man Utd future clear as move difficult due to high salary

Antony has suggested that his time at Manchester United has come to an end and he does not expect to return to the 20-time English champions at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old Brazilian winger, currently on loan at Real Betis, has opened up about his career at Old Trafford, offering a significant clue about his future plans.

Speaking on Ben Foster’s Fozcast podcast, Antony reflected on his £86m move from Ajax to United in the summer of 2022, a transfer that made him one of the club’s most expensive signings.

"If they pay that kind of money for you, it’s because you have talent and quality," he said. "Wherever I go, I’ll always speak highly of United. I’m very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I’ve learned."

His use of "wherever I go" has sparked speculation that he sees his long-term future away from Manchester, despite his contract running until 2027 with an option for an additional year.

Antony’s stint at United has been underwhelming, with just 12 goals and 11 assists in 91 appearances across all competitions. His lack of consistency and inability to adapt fully to the Premier League led to a loan move to Real Betis in January 2025, where he has shown signs of resurgence, scoring three goals in eight La Liga appearances.

This improved form has not altered United’s apparent stance, however, with manager Rúben Amorim reportedly keen to offload the winger as part of a broader squad overhaul this summer.

The Red Devils, currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League with nine games remaining, are planning a significant clear-out, with up to 10 players potentially departing.

Antony’s high wages—rumoured to be around £200,000 per week—pose a challenge, as Foster noted on the same podcast: "There’s not many teams in world football that can sign him. He’s got two or three years left on his deal and isn’t going to want to take a pay cut."

Foster suggested that Antony might demand a payout of up to £12m to facilitate a permanent transfer, a scenario that could complicate United’s efforts to recoup any meaningful fee.

Real Betis have been pleased with Antony’s contributions, but a permanent move would likely require United to subsidise his wages or accept a cut-price fee, given the Spanish club’s financial constraints.

Other potential suitors remain unclear, though Antony’s comments suggest he’s open to new challenges. His gratitude towards Ten Hag, who gave him his chance at United and won the 2023 League Cup and FA Cup during their time together, contrasts with his apparent readiness to move on from Amorim’s project.

For United, offloading Antony would free up funds and squad space as Amorim looks to address a season of struggle, with the club already eliminated from domestic cups and facing a tough Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad.

Whether Antony’s next step takes him back to Brazil, elsewhere in Europe, or beyond, his latest remarks signal the end of a turbulent chapter at Old Trafford.