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The saga surrounding Manchester United winger Antony appears to be nearing a dramatic conclusion, with Real Betis reportedly preparing a fresh, urgent bid to secure his permanent return to La Liga. The Brazilian, who arrived at Old Trafford with a blockbuster £85 million price tag just over 18 months ago, has struggled to justify his hefty fee and is widely believed to be seeking an escape route from the Theatre of Dreams.

A Frustrating Stint at United

Antony's time at Manchester United has been largely underwhelming. While flashes of brilliance have occasionally surfaced, he has consistently failed to deliver the consistent performances expected of a player of his calibre and cost. Critics have pointed to his reliance on individual dribbling, a lack of end product, and a perceived incompatibility with United’s tactical systems as key factors in his struggles. Erik ten Hag, who initially brought Antony to the club from Ajax, appears to be losing patience, and the player's recent omission from matchday squads has fuelled speculation about his future.

Real Betis Re-Enter the Fray

Real Betis, who initially loaned Antony last season, are now poised to reignite their interest in a permanent deal. Reports suggest they are preparing a renewed offer within the 'next 24 hours', creating a tense and potentially decisive period for all parties involved. The Spanish club’s interest stems from Antony’s previous positive experience in La Liga, where he showed glimpses of his potential despite a relatively short spell.

Can Betis Afford the Price Tag?

The major stumbling block remains Antony’s significant price tag. Manchester United are unlikely to accept a loss on their investment, and any potential offer from Real Betis would need to come close to the £85 million initially paid for the player. This presents a significant financial challenge for the Spanish club, who will need to explore creative financing options or potentially involve other interested parties to make the deal feasible.

What's Next for Antony?

The next 24 hours are crucial for Antony. A successful bid from Real Betis would provide him with an opportunity to revive his career in a more familiar environment. However, if Betis fail to reach an agreement with Manchester United, Antony faces the prospect of remaining at Old Trafford and fighting for his place under Ten Hag. Regardless of the outcome, this transfer saga underscores the high-stakes nature of modern football and the pressure on players to deliver on their potential.

Impact on Manchester United

Should Antony depart, Manchester United would free up a significant portion of their wage bill and potentially generate some funds to reinvest in other areas of the squad. However, it would also represent an admission that the club’s initial assessment of the player’s abilities was flawed. Ten Hag will need to carefully consider the implications of Antony’s departure and ensure that the squad has sufficient depth and quality in the wide attacking positions.