Manchester United have confirmed that Antony has left the club in a manner that goes against Ruben Amorim's wishes.
The Brazilian has been loaned to Spanish side Real Betis until the end of the season. Antony, 24, traveled to Spain earlier this week to undergo medical treatment and finalize his move.
According to reports in Spain, Betis will contribute a large portion of the striker's wages during his time at the club, while there is no option or obligation to buy him after his initial loan spell. United have also made sure to include a clause in the deal guaranteeing Antony regular first-team football.
The Red Devils have included a 'penalty clause' in the transfer, which will require Betis to pay compensation if they do not play Antony enough. The 16-time Brazil international has made 14 appearances for United in all competitions this season, although only three of those appearances have been starts.
United confirmed the move in a lengthy statement on Saturday evening. In the statement they added: “Everyone at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck during his time at Sevilla.”
Antony's move also ignores United boss Amorim's claim that he wanted to keep the winger at Old Trafford. He said: “Like I said, I want to keep my players. I focus on this, these players. I don't know what's going to happen. We'll see this window, but he did a good job.”
Meanwhile, Junior Pedroso, the player's agent, claimed last month that a loan move from Old Trafford was an option. He said: “Yes, many clubs have approached us about Antony's move in January. These clubs wanted to gain insight into the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there is concrete interest.”
He added: “I can say that Antony's future is strongly linked to the interests of Manchester United. If the club thinks it is a good idea to loan Antony in January so that he can get more minutes and regain his confidence, we will work on that option together. Otherwise, Antony is working hard to regain his place and show his best skills under the new coach Ruben Amorim.”
Antony has had a miserable spell at Old Trafford since joining from Ajax. United invested £81 million to sign him from the Dutch giants and he got off to a good start at the club, scoring in each of his first three league games.
But only nine goals have been scored since then, with Antony losing a place in the starting line-up under former boss Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim. He may not be the only high-profile exit from Old Trafford this month.
Academy graduate Marcus Rashford is expected to leave after a public row with Amorim – Borussia Dortmund are pursuing his services. Alejandro Garnacho could also leave, with Napoli eyeing his signature.
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