With 10 days left in the summer transfer market, Manchester United still need to find solutions for several players who are expected to exit.
Of the five players Ruben Amorim effectively sent into exile almost two months ago, only Marcus Rashford has found himself a move.
Amorim told five Manchester United players not to return for pre-season, with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia all still training alone and waiting for a move.
Rashford has moved to Barcelona on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, with the Spanish giants having an option to buy, taking a wage cut to make it happen
However for the other four, there has been less success.
Garnacho is wanted by Chelsea, with talks between the clubs advancing to make that move happen for a fee which could end up being anywhere between £30m and £50m based on the expectations of both.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has rejected offers from across Europe in the hopes of keeping his lofty wages.
Antony has also rejected interest, as he still insists on a return to Real Betis.
Antony accepting a silver medal with Real Betis after the Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea
Photo by Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
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Manuel Pellegrini speaks out over Antony pursuit at Real Betis
Last season, Antony impressed on loan at Real Betis during the second half of last season, making himself look like United were the problem in his case.
He impressed so much that Betis have spent all summer trying to agree a deal to sign the Brazilian, to no success so far as they can’t afford United’s demands.
Betis have kept their number seven free for Antony, which suggests they expect a deal to eventually come off.
Now, the Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has spoken out over the move and sent a message to United, in a press conference broadcasted by El Chiringuito TV.
“I’ve not spoken with Antony. We all know that Antony was very good here, we want him with us, and Antony wants to return no doubt.
“But we also need the owner, which is Manchester United, to make a decision.”
While there is no suggestion a deal is close right now, Betis players want Antony back, but United have set the demands and so it is now up to Betis to match these.
Manchester United cannot succumb to Real Betis’ plan
Despite the transfer fee being a main issue, Antony is ready to cut his wages to join Betis, but that doesn’t help United.
Betis have received over £40m this summer in sales, so if they wanted Antony, they have the money to pay a chunk up front and get their player.
However, a reluctance to do so shows Betis might instead be waiting for the final days of the window when United may be almost forced into accepting their disappointing offers.
Despite this, Matheus Cunha believes Antony is a good fit for United and so there is a chance that reintegration occurs, with the winger potentially then re-thinking his rejection of other moves like Saudi Arabia.