Antony’s Gamble: Why the Manchester United Flop Is Slashing His Wages for a Fresh Start

Antony’s Manchester United Nightmare: From Record Signing to Outcast

Did you know that Antony, once Manchester United’s second most expensive signing ever, is now on the verge of a dramatic exit? When he arrived from Ajax in 2022 for a staggering €95 million, expectations were sky-high. But what followed was a string of underwhelming performances—just 12 goals and 5 assists in 96 appearances over three seasons. Fans and pundits alike were left scratching their heads, wondering how such a promising Brazilian winger could fade so quickly in the Premier League’s unforgiving spotlight. His struggles weren’t just on the pitch; Antony has admitted to emotional turmoil, confessing to losing his appetite and crying frequently during his time in Manchester.

The Real Betis Revival: Rediscovering Joy and Form in Spain

But here’s something you might not expect: Antony’s loan move to Real Betis in January 2025 completely changed his narrative. In La Liga, he became a revelation—scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in just 26 games. He was even named Man of the Match in three consecutive appearances, helping Betis reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final and secure a Europa League spot for next season. Spanish media and Betis fans quickly embraced him as a new hero, while his confidence and creativity returned. Antony himself took to social media to thank the club and its supporters, saying he ‘rediscovered the joy of football’ in Seville.

Financial Realities: Why Manchester United Must Sell—And at What Price?

So why is Antony so desperate to leave Manchester United for good? The answer lies in both sporting ambition and financial necessity. United are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which means they must recoup at least £32.5 million (about €38 million or 60 billion KRW) from Antony’s sale to avoid a loss on their books. Antony, who currently earns £150,000 a week, is even willing to take a 30% pay cut—down to £105,000 a week—to make a permanent move happen. United have made it clear: no more loan deals, only a full transfer will do. Real Betis would love to keep him, but their budget is tight, and unless they make significant sales, matching United’s asking price is a tall order.

Community and Media Reactions: Divided Opinions and Emotional Farewells

How are fans and the football community reacting? On Korean forums like DC Inside and FM Korea, the mood is mixed: about 60% of comments are negative, with many labeling Antony a ‘flop’ or ‘waste of money.’ Representative comments include, ‘This is the worst transfer in United history,’ and ‘He only shines in a smaller league.’ However, about 40% express sympathy, noting his emotional struggles and praising his resurgence at Betis: ‘He just needed a different environment,’ and ‘Betis fans love him now.’ On Naver and Tistory blogs, several posts analyze his tactical fit in La Liga and speculate about a possible move to Serie A or back to Spain, with Juventus and Atletico Madrid reportedly interested.

Cultural Insights: Why Antony’s Story Resonates Beyond the Pitch

For international fans, Antony’s journey is a classic example of how football careers can swing dramatically based on context and confidence. In Korea, the term ‘먹튀’ (meok-twi, meaning ‘eating and running’) is often used for expensive foreign signings who fail to deliver—a label Antony is now trying to shed. His willingness to cut his own wages is seen as a rare gesture of humility and determination, sparking debates about player agency and mental health in elite sports. For Betis fans, Antony’s flair and passion have made him a cult figure in just half a season, while United supporters are left to ponder what could have been.

What’s Next? The Summer Transfer Saga and Antony’s European Options

With the transfer window open, all eyes are on where Antony will land next. United have prioritized his sale, along with other outcasts like Rashford and Sancho, to balance their books and rebuild under new management. Betis remain hopeful but constrained by finances; meanwhile, clubs in Italy and Spain are circling, sensing a bargain for a player who has rediscovered his spark. Whatever happens, Antony’s story is a cautionary tale about the pressures of big-money moves—and a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to reignite a career.