Antony recently revealed that a Manchester United teammate wanted with him to stay at Old Trafford. This is was before his transfer exit to Real Betis. The player named was Matheus Cunha. He joined United in the same summer window.
Here’s what we now understand about this move and Antony’s exit.
The Plea Behind the Scenes
Antony said that during the summer, Cunha asked him to stay at United, even though things were already difficult. He described the situation as “very difficult” and admitted the timing had gone too far for reversal.
So even though Cunha pushed him to remain, the deal was already in motion.
Antony’s Manchester United journey
Antony joined United in 2022 from Ajax for a large fee. Despite the large amount of money spent on him he struggled to settle and perform. Over time, his role diminished for obvious reasons. He was then separated from the main squad under new management.
He spent part of last season on loan at Real Betis. Antony rediscovered his lost form there. That loan deal became a permanent move in the 2025 summer transfer window.
Why this Matter’s for Manchester United
This confession from Antony sheds light on the human side of transfers. That would be relationships, regrets, and the pull of loyalty. It shows a lot of things. Mainly when a player’s future is moving one way. His teammates may try to change the narrative.
It also signals that Antony’s exit was not purely a cold business decision but involved emotional appeals behind closed doors.
Author’s Insight
The most telling part of this story is not just the plea. It was that Antony felt it was too late. Even a heartfelt request from a teammate could not sway him. It’s a reminder that in modern football, sentiment rarely overrules strategy. Antony moves on; memories remain.
As featured on ManUNews.com
