Ex-Man Utd keeper De Gea blasts club over handling of Antony as he shines at Betis

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has publicly criticized the club’s handling of winger Antony’s departure.

He expressed frustration with the Red Devils’ mismanagement as they languish in 14th place in the Premier League. De Gea’s pointed remarks, made in the wake of Antony’s loan move to Real Betis, underscore deeper issues plaguing United under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and manager Ruben Amorim.

Antony, who signed for £86 million from Ajax in 2022, was loaned to Betis in January 2025 after scoring just 12 goals in 86 Premier League games, a stark underperformance for United’s second-most expensive signing.

De Gea, who left United in 2023 after 12 years and now plays for Fiorentina, took to social media to lament Antony’s exit, stating, “How has it come to this at United? Antony deserved better.”

His comments reflect disappointment with the club’s inability to nurture the Brazilian, who thrived under Erik ten Hag at Ajax but struggled in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

De Gea’s critique aligns with his earlier grievances about United’s “poor” treatment during his exit, when his contract was not renewed.

Antony’s loan, with an option to buy for £15 million, signals United’s shift toward a squad overhaul, with Amorim prioritizing signings like Wolves’ Matheus Cunha (£62.5 million).

However, De Gea’s remarks suggest a broader decline, echoed by United’s 13 goalless games and 11 set-piece goals conceded this season, per The Athletic.

Fans on X are divided. @UtdFaithfuls supported De Gea, arguing, “He’s right—United ruined Antony,” while @SkySportsPL quoted fans blaming Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting, including 450 job cuts and ticket price hikes, per BBC Sport.

Pundits like Gary Neville, via Sky Sports, have called United a “graveyard” for talents, citing Antony’s regression. Simon Stone, in BBC Sport, noted United’s financial strain, with a potential £100 million Europa League windfall critical, especially after Harry Maguire’s Bilbao heroics.

De Gea’s comments highlight United’s mismanagement, as Antony’s failure reflects poor recruitment and coaching transitions.

Ratcliffe’s reported plan to sell OGC Nice to fund a United takeover, per the Daily Star, may alleviate PSR constraints, but losing talents like Antony for a fraction of their cost exposes strategic flaws.

Amorim’s Europa League campaign, with a potential Tottenham final, per the Mirror, offers hope, but De Gea’s outburst underscores a club struggling to regain its identity. As United face Brentford, addressing these criticisms is vital for Amorim’s rebuild.