Man Utd handed timely boost as new option emerges after Antony transfer comments

Antony has looked a player reborn since joining Real Betis on loan from Manchester United in January - and now another La Liga club are interested in signing him permanently

Manchester United have been boosted by the news that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Antony in the summer transfer window. United are desperate to offload a group of outcast players and are delighted that Antony’s form during a loan spell at Real Betis has sparked renewed interest.

Antony appeared washed up and lacking confidence when United agreed to loan him to Betis until the end of the season in January. But the Brazilian has responded brilliantly to a change of scenery, contributing eight goals and five assists in 24 matches since moving to Seville.

He has played a key role in the club reaching the final of the Conference League, where they will face Chelsea next Wednesday. Naturally, that has led to interest from Betis, who are keen to extend the loan deal for the 2025/26 campaign.

Antony would love to stay put in Andalusia, but the decision could be taken out of his hands, with United keen to secure a transfer fee, rather than another loan.

Antony is in a category with fellow loanees Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, with United seeking a quick sale in the summer transfer window to provide funds for squad rebuild.

The Independent reporting that Atletico Madrid could launch a bid for Antony will therefore be music to the ears of those in power at Old Trafford. Fresh interest in the winger, who cost £85million from Ajax in 2022, could help United launch an auction for their player.

After firing Betis to the Conference League final against Fiorentina, an emotional Antony said he was “living a dream” with the club. Seville appears to be a much better fit for him than Manchester, where he has returned just 12 goals and five assists in 96 games since Erik ten Hag brought him to the club.

“Yes, I'm very happy. I found myself,” he said recently. “I needed to find myself and be happy. My family needed to be happy too. Every day that passes confirms it was the best decision and as you said, I'm enjoying the city and the club every day.

“It [Seville] reminds me a lot of Brazil: the sun, the food, everything. The people are also very warm and happy; that's important for us who come from Brazil and are used to that. As I've said, I'm very happy.

“It's important to score goals and provide assists but for me what's most important is sleeping peacefully knowing how I'm doing with myself and being well and happy. Seeing my family smiling is also essential for me; I always talk to my family in Brazil and they are also very happy for me.”