Manchester United let Antony leave in the summer, returning to Real Betis on a permanent deal.
After a very successful loan spell at the La Liga side last season, Antony was desperate to return to Real Betis.
His desire meant Manchester United were effectively forced to ignore other interested clubs who may have paid more, with Betis only able to do a complicated deal.
United pocketed £19m from the Antony sale, but now, according to the Brazilian, one Red Devil pleaded with him not to depart.
Matheus Cunha arriving at the Gtech Community Stadium
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Matheus Cunha wanted Antony to stay at Manchester United
It was one Brazilian forward in and one out for United over the summer, with Matheus Cunha being signed for £62.5m.
However, if Cunha had got his way, he’d have Antony in the squad with him, as the Betis winger admitted to Diario AS this week.
“Matheus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult. I have a lot of affection for him.”
By the time Cunha arrived, Antony was already as good as gone, with Amorim’s mind made up that he wasn’t good enough.
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Antony also shared a comment on this, explaining that his contact with Amorim upon returning from the loan was minimal.
“I didn’t speak much with Ruben Amorim; there wasn’t much contact. His decision to allow me to train separately was a given. But I had to respect it. Today I’m fine; I took care of myself by training well even though I was apart.”
Cunha and Antony have always been close
It shouldn’t be a shock that Cunha wanted his Brazilian international teammate to remain, having always believed in Antony.
Cunha praised Antony after he joined United, writing, “What a player” in the comments.
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Antony praised Matheus Cunha in 2022
“Cunha strikes like a horse. He kicks very hard, it seems like something from another world.
“I think his strongest attributes is is his striking. Cunha is also a very fast player.”
Meanwhile, Antony has also praised Cunha, proving the mutual respect that the two have for each other.
Despite the fact they’d have enjoyed playing together, selling Antony was absolutely the right call for United.