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'Only I know how difficult it was' - Antony breaks down over life at Man Utd
Sep 02 2025 15:39 · By Jack Rosser/Jack Rosser
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MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony broke down in tears and apologised for his time at the club after sealing a deadline day escape.
The winger finally sealed a return to Real Betis in a £21.7million deal, having arrived at Old Trafford for £85.5m in 2022.
5 Antony broke down in tears at his Real Betis unveiling Credit: Getty
5 The Man Utd flop found life difficult in the 'bomb squad' Credit: Getty
5 The Brazilian endured a miserable time at Old Trafford after his £85.5m move Credit: PA
Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at the club, helping them reach the Conference League final.
Since returning to United, he has trained alone and spent 40 days in a hotel and was reduced to tears at his unveiling in Spain.
Antony said: "What happened in Manchester, only I know how difficult it was. I’m sorry.
"Training separately, but that’s part of life. I knew this moment would come. It’s in the past.
"Seville is more beautiful than Manchester. I'm finally here.
"I spent more than 40 days in a hotel; it was very hard, but everyone knew I wanted to return to Betis.
"Now with more time, we have so many things to do and achieve."
Antony is one of two dud Erik ten Hag signings who left Old Trafford on the final day of the window, the same day the ex-United manager was given the boot from Bayer Leverkusen after just two Bundesliga games.
Rasmus Hojlund reluctantly joined Napoli on loan with a £38m obligation to buy, two years and just 14 Premier League goals after his £64m move from Atalanta.
United have made a combined loss of almost £90m on the two players, while there are still Ten Hag duds littered around the squad.
Tyrell Malacia was part of the Old Trafford 'bomb squad' this summer and has failed to land a move away while Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are still at the club despite the arrival of Senne Lammens on Monday.
Those five, along with another failed striker in Joshua Zirkzee, all arrived under Ten Hag's watch and cost the club just short of £250m - before any add-ons.
5 Antony enjoyed a productive loan spell with Betis last season Credit: Getty
5 The Red Devils outcast was delighted to be back in Seville Credit: Getty
