Manchester United succeeded in shifting most members of their exiled batch, with Antony also getting his dream move to Real Betis, albeit not without some drama.
Antony had his heart set on a move to Real Betis, something the Spanish side were clearly trying to take advantage of by playing hardball with Man Utd.
After many twists and turns, including a public statement of how Betis were reneging on the deal, Antony joined Betis for about £22 million and a 50% sell-on clause.
The saga ended with everyone getting what they wanted, but Betis clearly feel slighted, as Antony’s teammate Giovani Lo Celso has aimed a dig at Old Trafford.
Giovani Lo Celso throws shade at Man Utd for Antony
Antony has not been shy about letting people know how unhappy he was at Man Utd, both while on loan in Spain and after joining Betis permanently.
It hasn’t gone down well in Manchester, and neither will Lo Celso’s comments about United’s conduct during the Antony transfer saga.
Speaking to AS, the Argentinian expressed sympathy for Antony, saying it was a difficult summer for the winger because of how United treated him.
Lo Celso said: “I think his return is important for everyone. It wasn’t an easy summer for him. We know what English clubs are like; they don’t let you train. Every time he touches the ball, there’s a sense of danger. He’s direct and contagious.”
It’s worth noting that Antony wasn’t ordered to stop training. He was just asked to train separately from the first-team group, and the dressing room was open for him.
Considering Antony had one foot in Spain and the whole of his mind in Betis, one can’t blame United for not letting the player train with players who saw their long-term future at Carrington.
Antony is a costly lesson
If there was ever one player who is the personification of United’s fault in the transfer market, it’s Antony.
The Brazilian was a panic signing in its worst form, with United being challenged to go as high as possible for the player, and the club actually doing so.
There were no considerations over how he would adjust to the English league, his fit in the dressing room, his background, or his tactical preference.
It was just Erik ten Hag’s history with the player and United’s lack of a right-wing option that prompted the club to make a costly mistake.
Still, if the lesson is learned, then this move is worth it for the millions United will save in the future by avoiding these types of signings.
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