Antony Tears Up Over Manchester United Exit; Club Success Shipping Out ‘Bomb Squad’

Antony left Manchester United on deadline day for Real Betis – and cried as he explained his time at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian failed to make any real sort of impact at United during his three year stint at Old Trafford with just 17 goal contributions from his entire career there.

Antony made 96 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League giants but after he signed for an initial £81million from Ajax back in 2022, much more was expected from the playmaker.

With the Eredivisie club he showed promise but following Erik ten Hag to Manchester did not work out and after the manager was binned last year, things never looked good for Antony.

Ruben Amorim arrived as United’s next permanent manager and it was widely reported that the pair did not see eye to eye and the winger was shipped out on loan to Real Betis.

Antony cried during Real Betis transfer unveiling

He seemed to find a new home and perform well in Spain where he notched five goals and provided the same number of assists in just 26 outings before La Liga club sought a permanent deal.

That move was finalised on deadline day with the Red Devils taking a significant loss on their player as the move was believed to cost Betis just £21m all in.

But what it did do for Amorim and United was help them get rid of another member of the eloquently dubbed “bomb squad” that Amorim presided over.

Now Antony has revealed his own thoughts on his time at United and he teared up as he explained what he felt went wrong.

“What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was,” he stuttered as he was unveiled at Betis officially.

“I’m sorry. Training separately, but that’s part of life. I knew this moment would come. It’s in the past.

“What a difference! Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I’m finally here. I spent more than 40 days in a hotel; it was very hard, but everyone knew I wanted to return to Betis.

Why Antony was ‘bombed out’ by Ruben Amorim

“Now with more time, we have so many things to do and achieve. I had trouble sleeping after seeing so much affection from the Betis fans; there were people waiting at my house at two in the morning.

“It’s been very hard, but we’re here now. I’m looking forward to wearing the Betis shirt again. I can only thank everyone who made it possible.”

Of Amorim’s alleged bomb squad, all members have now left the club, barring one.

Marcus Rashford moved to Barcelona on loan where he will come up against his former teammate at some stage this term.

Jadon Sancho just moved to Aston Villa on loan while Alejandro Garnacho raked in around £40m for the club after he made his move to Chelsea on the final day of the window.

Left-back Tyrell Malacia was another who looked to be moved on but his deadline day move to Elche fell through.