Anthony has spoken candidly about leaving Manchester United, revealing he wanted the Old Trafford new signing to stay at the club despite wanting to leave in the summer.
Manchester United winger Anthony has revealed that he begged fellow Brazilian Matheus Cunha to remain at Old Trafford before making a permanent move to Real Betis. Anthony was Erik ten Hag’s headline signing at United, but his performances did not justify his £85m price tag.
When Ten Hag was finally sacked in October 2024, it looked like the Brazilian’s tenure in Manchester was coming to an end. Ruben Amorim’s arrival effectively confirms his departure with United’s new structure unsuitable for wingers.
By January, Amorim secured Anthony’s loan deal with Real Betis, which successfully rejuvenated his career. The winger scored nine goals and provided five assists against Spain, helping his team reach the Conference League finals.
read more: Manchester United’s ‘Bomb Squad’ star announces surprise move after summer moveread more: Anthony talks about Manchester United’s ‘regrets’ question after joining Real Betis
At the end of the season, Anthony returned to Manchester and informed the club that he wanted to leave. Despite this, Anthony revealed that Cunha, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the summer transfer window, had encouraged the Brazilian to stay.
“Mateus Cunha wanted me to play there with him, but the situation was already very difficult,” he told AS. “I have great affection for him.”
At one point, it seemed uncertain that Anthony would leave United, but an agreement was eventually reached with Real Real Real Madrid. While negotiations with the La Liga side progressed, Anthony was forced to train separately from his Carrington colleagues.
Reflecting on the situation, Anthony added: “I didn’t talk much with Ruben Amorim, we didn’t have much contact. His decision to allow me to train separately was natural, but I had to respect it.
“I’m fine today. I trained hard and took care of myself even though I was away.
“Three months later, I was able to play 90 minutes, and that’s the result of what I’ve been working on.” Since returning to Spain, Anthony has scored a goal and an assist in the same game as Real Betis drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in the Europa League.
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