The summer transfer window isn’t far away and Manchester United will need to make a decision on the future of Antony, whose loan spell with Real Betis has so far been a success
Manchester United are gearing up what could be a defining few weeks of the season – but some eyes are already looking towards the summer. The Red Devils would need to go on a stunning run of form to have any hope of qualifying for the Champions League and there’ll be no FA Cup trip to Wembley in May.
But what gives United fans optimism is their Europa League campaign, having impressively beaten Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in the round of 16. The Red Devils went into the international break on the back of a relatively comfortable 3-0 win away to Leicester, affording Ruben Amorim some time off.
Amorim is currently on holiday in Doha, Qatar but when he returns he’ll face heat of a different kind, with fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Lyon and Newcastle to come. In his absence, the wheels keep turning at Old Trafford, as preparations for next season are well and truly under way.
Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Real Betis draw up Antony plan
Real Betis want to extend Antony’s loan from Manchester United until 2026. The Brazilian winger has rediscovered his mojo in Seville, scoring four goals and laying on four assists in 11 appearances.
It’s no surprise, then, that Betis have decided that they want to keep Antony, 25, for next season. ABC de Sevilla report that the Spanish club plan to negotiate with United to extend his loan until the end of the 2025-26 campaign by offering to pay a higher percentage of his wages. The deal could hinge on whether or not Betis qualify for the Champions League.
Should Manchester United find a different club to sell Antony to? Have your say in the comments section.
Club announce first pre-season friendly
Manchester United have announced that they’ll begin their pre-season campaign against Leeds in the Swedish capital of Stockholm on Saturday, July 19. The Red Devils will return to the Strawberry Arena – formerly known as the Friends Arena – for the first time since winning the 2017 Europa League final there, beating Ajax 2-0.
Leeds, who are currently gunning for promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, also played United in a friendly in the summer of 2023. The Red Devils will jet off to the United States later in July to take part in the Premier League’s Summer Series.
Hojlund gives Amorim verdict
Rasmus Hojlund is enjoying life under Ruben Amorim, despite Manchester United’s mixed results. Hojlund, 22, ended his three-month goal drought on Sunday, a fine way to head into the international break.
Speaking to Danish media including Tipsbladet, the striker gave a glowing verdict on Amorim as well as commenting on Erik ten Hag’s sacking in October. “I’m focused on the task with Ruben, because that project is incredibly exciting, but Erik was of course one of the reasons why I moved to Manchester United,” Hojlund said.
“He was doing something good and was a talented coach, but it didn’t work out, and that’s how it is. I’m still very happy to be at Manchester United. It’s the club I’ve always dreamed of playing for. And I’m really happy for Ruben – he’s a cool character and a cool person.”
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