Manchester United utilised the loan market heavily this season, but only one has been an undisputed success story for Ineos.
There has been a long list of players out on loan this season for Manchester United, ranging from academy talents to first-teamers and even superstars.
Marcus Rashford was one big name loaned out after he publicly declared his desire for new challenges. This meant Rashford spent the remainder of the season on loan at Aston Villa, with a permanent exit now looking likely.
Elsewhere, United sent Jadon Sancho on loan to Chelsea last August, with an obligation to buy. However, he has been below par for the Blues, and therefore, they may even pay £5m to terminate the agreement and return the winger.
These two forwards’ futures look bleak; they will depart United, but there is no long list of clubs queuing up to sign them, given the disappointing seasons and their hefty wages.
But there is one United loanee who will have plenty of teams chasing his signature.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand raves about Antony’s loan form at Real Betis
The past few months have been the greatest of Antony’s young career, as he has been ever so impressive for Real Betis, becoming an instant hit in Spain.
He has been scoring world-class goals on a weekly basis, and now Rio Ferdinand has suggested that he would be welcomed back to Carrington with open arms, while speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
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“You’ve got Antony, Sancho, Rashford, three wingers all out on loan. Antony’s gone and set the world alight.
“You go to Spain, his name is ringing. You go to Betis, he’s like a superhero.
“Joaquin, one of their national treasures at Betis, he’s saying, ‘whatever it takes to keep him here, we do it’.”
Joaquin admitted he would kidnap Antony to keep him at Betis, which shows how highly regarded he is over in Seville.
“Rashford ain’t getting that at Villa, nor’s Sancho at Chelsea”, Ferdinand continued.
“If anyone is going to be welcomed back into that club with open arms, it’s going to be Antony.”
Ferdinand, like many fans, has been wowed by Antony’s performances, and rightfully so, as there is a lot to like with his performances. But welcoming him back shouldn’t be an option for United.
Manchester United should cash in on Antony
Antony could become a Real Betis legend next week if he can guide the La Liga side to victory over Chelsea in the Conference League final. This was made clear as during the celebrations over reaching the final, the Betis fans were roaring Antony’s name.
Antony would become a history maker if he wins the Conference League and United win the Europa League, the first player to get medals for two European competitions in one season.
Despite his struggles for two seasons at United, Antony has been incredible for Betis, but regardless of this, United should not be welcoming him back with open arms.
Antony doesn’t fit into Ruben Amorim’s squad naturally, but more importantly, United have two years of proof that the Brazilian won’t succeed here.
So, instead, selling him for top price should be the priority this summer, with Atletico Madrid interested in signing Antony.
Antony will then likely go on to become a really decent La Liga player, but it won’t be at United, where he continues his career redemption.