After being dumped by the club, Antony launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s treatment, denounced what he called “lack of respect” and “disrespect” during his final period at Old Trafford. The Winger spent the second half of last season on loan with Real Betis, revealing his ambition to ensure a permanent switch to the Spanish side during the summer transfer period.
However, he was forced to endure a long wait until the windows closed, securing the desired movement, and during that time he was effectively expelled by his manager, Reuben Amorim. The 24-year-old was forced to train separately from his main team and was also omitted from the club’s pre-season equipment.
Antony expressed his belief that he embraced the treatment of United and other surplus players in the so-called “bomb squad.”
“Look, I’m going to name people, not people who are involved in the controversy. In fact, I don’t even mention anyone’s names here,” he told ESPN Brasil.
“But I think there was a bit of respect there, and even a bit of disrespectfulness, good morning, good morning.
“But anyway, it’s the past, I don’t take these things too much. Now I’m here and here, I live here, that’s what’s most important to me.”
Antony, who joined United in the summer of 2022 with a potential fee of over £86 million, failed to replicate his Ajax form and sold at a major loss to Betis for just £21.65 million after long-term negotiations.
Nevertheless, he accepts that there was a growing situation behind his Premier League struggle, but he is responsible for his performance.
“When asked about his failure at United, Antony replied, “I’m someone who accepts my responsibility. I think that off-field issues have had a big impact on me in my performance.
I know my potential. I know my qualities. I didn’t play at the World Cup without doing anything.
“I’m also responsible for not doing it because I’m not playing the way I wanted it to. But I’ve always been necessary to see myself, this whole process, this time United.”
