Man Utd's transfer negotiations continue as star drops 'pain' message on social media

Manchester United outcast Antony has hinted he's holding firm in his hopes of leaving the club as talks continue with Real Betis . The Spanish outfit have left things late in their effort to execute a reunion with the winger, who was so instrumental in their success last season.

United 's third-most expensive player of all time moved to Old Trafford for an eye-watering £82million three years ago. However, according to reports, he could leave for less than half of that as Betis look to strike a deal, with the two clubs locked in discussions since Monday.

Marca has suggested Antony could re-join Manuel Pellegrini 's squad in a second loan deal, which would cost them £3m this summer. That's before a proposed permanent deal for a further £33m in 2026, and Antony's social media activity suggests he's holding out for a return to Seville.

The Brazilian, who has in the past hinted he'd like to move back to Seville , uploaded a motivational image to his Instagram story. The post included the image of a lion along with some uplifting words, which appear to be a nod to the tribulations he has faced at United of late.

"Pain makes you stronger. Fear makes you braver. Patience makes you wiser," read the caption. That third comment in particular seems to suggest Antony is playing the long game in his bid to revive a career that tanked at Old Trafford.

Despite commanding such an astronomical figure when he joined United, Antony failed to impress after recording just eight goal contributions in 62 Premier League appearances. Ruben Amorim agreed to send the player on loan to Betis in January 2025 as he enjoyed an immediate resurgence, matching his Premier League goal tally in just 17 La Liga appearances.

According to The Sun , Antony could now leave for less than half of the fee United paid for him in 2022. He isn't the only player Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Red Devils are supposedly hoping to shift in the final days of the transfer window, with Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho both not in Amorim's plans.

Betis boss Pellegrini has opened up about his desire to recruit Antony once again following his previous success in Seville. However, a permanent deal has been difficult to agree given Los Verdiblancos' financial constraints have made it a struggle to match United's valuations of the player.

"We all know how important Antony was here," said Pellegrini at a press conference earlier this week. "Let's see if he can make it, hopefully."

Antony's chances of salvaging any sort of future under Amorim declined this summer when he recruited Bryan Mbeumo as his new right winger. His revival in Spain succeeded in drumming up interest in a player whose stock looked low, though Betis appear to have been the only genuine contender interested in cutting a deal.

United stand to lose £46m on their player if a deal amounting to £36m (£3m loan plus £33m permanent fee) can be agreed. However, the English giants would require some significant assurance Betis would make good on that obligatory investment in 2026.

Fellow misfit Sancho spent last term on loan at Chelsea before the Blues opted to pay United an additional £5m just to get out of signing the player permanently. The Red Devils would like to avoid a repeat of that episode as they look to streamline their squad and recoup more cash following a summer of heavy investment.

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