Antony completes loan move to Real Betis to escape Manchester United nightmare

As reported in last week's talkSPORT Transfer Notebook, Betis have offered the Brazilian forward an escape route away from Old Trafford after flopping badly following his £86million arrival from Ajax.

talkSPORT understands Betis will pay 84 per cent of the 24-year-old's £200,000-a-week wages, plus bonuses.

But there will no buy option inserted into the contract, with Antony's move a straight loan and the player expected back at Old Trafford at the end of the season.

He joins a team that currently sits 12th in LaLiga, although Manuel Pellegrini's side are still involved in the UEFA Conference League.

"Everybody at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck for his spell in Seville," the club said about his exit.

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Antony, who is among United's top five earners, is tied down at the Theatre of Dreams until 2027.

But fans will likely be hoping Antony impresses enough during his time in Spain to warrant a permanent move away in the summer.

The forward initially got off to a dream start at United following his £86m switch from Ajax in 2022 after scoring on his debut against Arsenal.

But since then, he has failed to prove anywhere near value for money.

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This season Antony has only played 401 minutes, with his most game time coming in the Carabao Cup.

He has not started a league match all season and is not Amorim's desired choice of wing-backs or narrow forwards.

The Portuguese head coach claimed Antony can play wing-back and 'did a great job improving in that position', but did challenge him by insisting he 'has to defend more'.

Despite those words of encouragement in December, he is yet to highly impress Amorim.

And with Antony taking up space on their profit and sustainability regulations ledger, United are aiming to shift him and others off their wage bill.

Marcus Rashford could follow him out the exit door in another potential loan deal.

However, with just a week of the transfer window left no suitor has emerged for the England international.