Manchester United were left with little choice but to sell Antony on deadline day after the Brazilian made it clear he only wanted to join Real Betis.

The winger thrived during his loan spell in Seville last season and pushed hard for a permanent return, rejecting every other offer that came his way.

United eventually agreed a £22m deal with Betis, a figure far below the £82m they once paid Ajax, but one that at least brings closure to a turbulent chapter at Old Trafford.

Ineos worked throughout the summer to find a solution, with Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen showing interest, yet Antony stood firm.

Antony rejects Bayern for Betis loyalty

Speaking after sealing his transfer, Antony admitted he was emotional about rejoining Betis, even claiming he had been “crying” over the move during the summer uncertainty.

In an interview with El Partidazo, he confirmed that Bayern had tabled a lucrative offer worth around €7m annually, but he turned it down to keep his word to Betis.

“I spoke with Bayern Munich,” Antony said. “I don’t know if it was €7m, but I said I had Betis’s word and that it was 95% certain and that I would respect my word. I feel comfortable making this decision because I’m very happy here. More than five teams called me.”

Antony’s loyalty to Betis highlights his desire for stability after a rocky time in Manchester, where he was cast out of first-team plans and struggled to justify his price tag.

United still counting the cost

For United, the deal represents another financial blow in the transfer market. They not only sold Antony for less than half his original fee but also included a 50% sell-on clause to Ajax when the Brazilian first signed.

It means any long-term upside is limited, while the £60m gap between what they paid and what they eventually recouped serves as a stark reminder of past recruitment failings.

Still, alongside the £40m raised from Alejandro Garnacho’s sale, Antony’s exit pushes summer sales beyond £60m.

Ineos and new manager Rúben Amorim will hope this is a step toward smarter, more sustainable squad building — and away from the costly mistakes of the past decade.