In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, former Manchester United winger Antony has disclosed that he was on the verge of signing for rivals Liverpool before his £86million move to Old Trafford in September 2022. The Brazilian, who recently made a permanent switch to Real Betis for £21.65m following a successful loan spell, opened up about his turbulent time at Manchester United and the near-miss transfer to Anfield in an explosive interview with ESPN Brazil.
A Shocking Near-Miss with Liverpool
Antony’s revelation about his potential move to Liverpool has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Speaking candidly, the 25-year-old winger admitted, “Before closing with United, I was very close to Liverpool. But the path was meant to be what it was.” The statement underscores how close the Reds were to securing the Ajax star, who instead joined their fierce rivals, Manchester United, in a high-profile transfer orchestrated by then-manager Erik ten Hag.
The move to United, however, did not yield the expected results. Antony struggled to find consistency at Old Trafford, scoring just 11 goals and providing five assists in 82 appearances across all competitions. His time at the club was marred by criticism over his performances and questions about his hefty price tag, which ultimately led to a significant financial loss for United when he departed for Real Betis.
“Lack of Respect” at Manchester United
Antony’s departure from Manchester United was far from amicable, and the winger did not hold back in his criticism of the club’s handling of his situation. As part of manager Ruben Amorim’s so-called ‘bomb squad’—a group of players deemed surplus to requirements—Antony endured a challenging summer. He revealed the extent of his isolation, stating, “I reported back on July 14 and trained separately for more than a month. It was very complicated.”
The Brazilian described spending over 40 days in hotels with his father, training in the afternoon while the rest of the squad trained in the morning. “I felt there was a lack of respect, even a lack of education,” Antony said. “Nobody said good morning or good afternoon. Not even that.” These remarks paint a damning picture of his final days at Manchester United, highlighting a lack of communication and support from the club.
Despite the adversity, Antony remained resilient. “It was a moment to test myself, to believe,” he said. “I knew that something good would happen, even if doubts crossed my mind.” His perseverance paid off, as he secured a permanent move to Real Betis, where he has already shown glimpses of his talent, notably scoring and providing an assist in a match against Nottingham Forest last month.
No Regrets, Only Growth
While Antony’s time at Manchester United was fraught with challenges, the winger insists he harbors no regrets about his journey. Reflecting on his struggles, he said, “Maybe if I had exploded right away, I might have lost myself later. It was necessary to go through that process. Today I feel like a better man, a better father.” This introspection highlights Antony’s growth both on and off the pitch, as he embraces his fresh start in Spain.
At Real Betis, Antony appears to be rediscovering his form. The permanent transfer, finalized in the summer transfer window, marks a new chapter for the Brazilian, who is eager to prove his worth in La Liga. His recent performances suggest he is adapting well to his new surroundings, and fans will be keen to see if he can recapture the flair that made him one of South America’s most exciting prospects during his time at Ajax.
A Transfer Saga That Resonates
Antony’s revelations about his near-move to Liverpool and his turbulent exit from Manchester United have added fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the two Premier League giants. His claims of disrespect at Old Trafford also raise questions about the club’s management and culture under Amorim, particularly in handling high-profile players deemed non-essential.
As Antony settles into life at Real Betis, his story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the personal toll they can take on players. For now, the winger is focused on looking forward, leaving behind the drama of Manchester United and the tantalizing “what could have been” of a potential move to Liverpool.