Antony names Man Utd star who wanted him to stay after being banished from training

Antony has opened up on his Manchester United exit and revealed that a new signing at Old Trafford wanted him to stay at the club despite his request to leave in the summer

Manchester United winger Antony has disclosed that his fellow Brazilian Matheus Cunha pleaded with him to remain at Old Trafford before his permanent transfer to Real Betis. Antony was Erik ten Hag’s headline acquisition at United but his displays failed to justify his £85m price tag.

When Ten Hag was ultimately dismissed in October 2024, the Brazilian’s stint in Manchester seemed to be drawing to a close. Ruben Amorim’s arrival virtually confirmed his departure with the new setup at United not suitable for wingers.

By January, Amorim had secured a loan deal for Antony to Real Betis and this succeeded in rejuvenating his career. The winger netted nine goals and provided five assists in Spain as he assisted his side in reaching the Conference League final.

READ MORE: Man Utd ‘bomb squad’ star makes surprise transfer admission after making summer moveREAD MORE: Antony opens up on Man Utd ‘regrets’ question after Real Betis transfer

At the end of the campaign, Antony returned to Manchester and told the club that he wanted to depart. Nevertheless, Antony has disclosed that Cunha, who arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the summer transfer window, encouraged the Brazilian to remain.

“Matheus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult,” he told AS. “I have a lot of affection for him.”

At one point, it appeared uncertain that Antony would depart United but eventually an agreement was reached with Betis. Whilst talks progressed with the La Liga side, Antony was compelled to train separately from his colleagues at Carrington.

Looking back on that situation, Antony added: “I didn’t speak much with Ruben Amorim; there wasn’t much contact. His decision to allow me to train separately was a given, but I had to respect it.

“Today I’m fine. I took care of myself by training well even though I was apart.

“After three months, I played 90 minutes, and that’s the result of what I was working on.” Since his return to Spain, Antony has scored a goal and provided an assist in the same match as Real Betis drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in the Europa League.

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