Manchester United are continuing their reshuffle under Ruben Amorim, with two marquee signings already confirmed in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Both players are expected to play significant roles in United’s front line next season, with Amorim pushing for a dynamic, versatile attack.
The Red Devils, however, are not done yet, and the focus has now shifted toward offloading fringe players and securing a third forward target before the window closes.
Despite financial constraints from recent spending, United remain active in the market, keen to stay ahead of rivals who are also finalising late summer deals.
But as Erik ten Hag’s fingerprints slowly fade from the squad, one name from his era continues to dominate transfer headlines — Antony.
The Brazilian winger, who found form during a loan spell at Real Betis in the second half of last season, is now a man in demand.
He scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 26 games under Manuel Pellegrini — form that reignited his international career with Brazil and raised his stock across Europe.
Manchester United were hoping to cash in, demanding close to €40 million for the 25-year-old, but Betis can only afford a heavily structured deal — a loan with an option to buy half of his rights for around €20 million, and a performance-based obligation clause.
United are reluctant to agree to such terms, especially after investing nearly £130 million on Cunha and Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, Antony has made it clear he has no interest in a Premier League return, turning down Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
He has also rejected interest from Turkey, Russia, and even a big-money move from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr — a proposal rumoured to be worth up to €30 million, as per Estadio Deportivo.
His focus remains fixed on Spain, specifically Seville, where he’s still renting the house he stayed in earlier this year and has extended the lease on his luxury vehicles.
Antony has also rejected advances from Botafogo and Sao Paulo in Brazil, despite both clubs making strong efforts to lure him back home.
He’s told those close to him that he wants to remain in Europe’s top five leagues to boost his chances of staying in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
For now, United face a frustrating reality: a valuable asset unwilling to move anywhere but back to Betis, who can’t afford the fee the Red Devils want.
And with Atletico Madrid still silent, time is running out for Manchester United to find a buyer — or a compromise.
