Antony makes firm transfer decision after approach from two interested clubs, ‘thanks’ them

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After Marcus Rashford’s exit developed quickly, the focus at Manchester United turns to the other four members who have been declared unwanted.

Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho are proving more difficult to shift than Marcus Rashford, whose potential in a different environment was a point in his favour.

Real Betis keep pleading poverty in Antony’s case, Garnacho is getting a reality check of his true standing in the game, the reality check for Sancho has come and gone many times, and Malacia has been tipped to be the last to leave anyway.

One would think that players in their situation are not in a position to knock back interest from clubs, but one has done exactly that.

Antony rejects transfer interest from two clubs

It has long been reported that Antony’s exit from Old Trafford is being held up due to his insistence on returning to Betis, who seem intent on low-balling Man Utd as much as they can.

However, that stance was softening a bit recently, as Antony opened up to offers from Saudi Arabia, and it was quickly followed by a reported bid from Al-Nassr.

Reportedly, that softening only extends to Saudi Arabia, as Brazilian football outlet Antenados are reporting that he has knocked back offers from Sao Paulo and Botafogo.

The report states that Antony ‘thanked’ them for their approach, but made it clear that he’s not looking to return to his home country as yet.

It is expected to be the final he’ll hear from them as he has made a firm decision with clarity, which leaves United to focus on European and Saudi Arabian teams.

Man Utd shouldn’t bow down in Antony’s transfer talks

Antony has been a professional throughout his time at Man Utd, so it’s unlikely that the club will make it too difficult to let him leave.

Having said that, he’s also the one player who’s coming off a high, instead of United being forced to sell out of sheer desperation.

He rediscovered borderline world-class form at Real Betis, and if the Spanish side don’t want to pay up, United shouldn’t bow down to Antony’s wish and do a cheap deal with them.

The player would need to understand that if there was a choice between accepting some joint-ownership loan deal from Betis or a £30m offer from Saudi Arabia, it’s a no-brainer choice.

A bidding war ensuing late on will be United’s ideal scenario, especially now that Amorim has reaffirmed United’s strong stance on selling any of these four players.

They won’t, and shouldn’t be panicked into doing a deal quickly just because the player has a clear preference.