Manchester United have handled their transfer business smartly this summer.
However, Manchester United have now missed out on a significant fee that had been heading their way after a proposed deal broke down.
The Red Devils have been measured in the market during this window, signing players such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for relatively modest amounts, but they have not generated major sales to help balance the accounts.
One player who might have helped swell the club's finances, though, is Antony.
Manchester United signed the Ajax winger Antony in 2022 for a fee the BBC reported as £81.3 million.
The Brazilian did not justify that enormous price tag, though, scoring only 12 goals in total for the Red Devils, struggling to cement a place on the right wing and often irritating supporters with his showboating.
Even so, despite his struggles in English football, Antony flourished at Real Betis, initially during a loan spell in the 2024/25 season before completing a permanent move in the summer of 2025.
Hoping to recover at least part of the huge amount they had paid for a player who failed to deliver, United accepted a modest sale worth less than £20 million to Los Heliopolitanos, while also inserting a 50 per cent sell-on clause — one that came close to being activated recently when interest arrived for the 26-year-old.
Sport Witness reports that Betis “flatly rejected” a €50 million bid, depriving the Red Devils of what would have been a welcome financial boost.
With the Seville-based side playing in the Champions League this season, manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen to retain his stronger players as the club prepare to compete on three fronts.
Because Betis would receive only half of any future fee for Antony, they have less motivation to sell him unless a very large offer is made.
United, meanwhile, are continuing to press ahead with new signings despite the shortage of departures.
Carlos Baleba has agreed a contract with the Red Devils, with Carrick also preparing for a return to Europe's top competition.
Transfermarkt values Antony at €40 million. Manchester United face Hull City this weekend as the Premier League season gets under way.
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