Everyone associated with Manchester United will be watching the Europa Conference League between Chelsea and Real Betis with intent because, if the latter upset the odds, reports suggest that Ruben Amorim’s side will be gifted a financial windfall.
Enzo Maresca’s men, who finished fourth in the 2024/25 Premier League table, have arrived in Poland as the favourites to win Europe’s third tier competition, but Manuel Pellegrini and his entourage will be looking to win their first European trophy as a club.
Not only would a Real Betis – who finished sixth in La Liga – victory mean that one of Manchester United’s domestic rivals would not add to their silverware cabinet, but it would also result in Amorim and his staff receiving a wad of cash to play with this summer.
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Amorim and Co in line for £306,000 boost
And that’s all thanks to Antony. The Brazilian winger – widely regarded as one of the worst signings in Manchester United history – has hit a purple goalscoring patch for Real Betis colours, having registered a tally of nine goals and five assists in 25 outings.
He arrived in Spain after a period of struggle in England, evidenced by his 17 goal involvements (12 goals and five assists) in 96 appearances, on a half-a-season-long deal in January 2025 – and the intricacies of his deal could now benefit the Red Devils.
Spanish publication ABC have reported that if Los Verdiblancos manage to defy the odds and beat the west Londoners on Wednesday night, they will owe Manchester United a fee of £306,000 per their loan agreement for the 25-year-old.
As reported by Mail Online, Pellegrini’s men are eager to sign the former Ajax man on a permanent basis after he’s sprung into life at Villamarin Stadium – but they will be required to cough up around the £30-35 million mark, all while batting off competition.
"I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what," club legend Joaquin has previously joked. Antony’s goal catalogue at his temporary employers is certainly a sight to behold – including that 91st-minute curler against Espanyol in early May. Watch it, in all its glory, below:
Manchester United supporters will be hoping that he is able to produce another moment of magic when his side lock horns with Chelsea on Wednesday night. Any payments are scheduled to be made before July 10 so that the clubs can apply them to either the 2024/25 or 2025/26 seasons.
Recently, the Brazil international broke down in tears when recalling his hodgepodge stint in M16. Revealing that, during his darkest moment, he could go days without eating, Antony said: “I went through difficult times [at Manchester United] when I no longer felt that pleasure.”
“I even always told my brother; I told him that I couldn't take it anymore. Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room."
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