Man Utd may have to cave in on Antony transfer despite 'everything possible' vow

Manchester United stand to make a big loss on Antony if they sell the former Ajax star this summer - and Real Betis could struggle to even meet the winger's current price tag

Real Betis chief Manu Fajardo insists the La Liga outfit will do 'everything possible' to sign Antony on a permanent basis. But it seems unlikely they will be able to meet Manchester United's €50million (£42.8m) asking price for the winger.

Antony, 25, has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance since moving to Spain, where he has registered nine goal contributions in 18 games. He has looked far more at home with his loan club than at United, where he has struggled to replicate the dazzling form that convinced Erik ten Hag and the previous regime to splash out £81m on him.

Speculation over the Brazilian's long-term future has grown in recent weeks and Betis have made no secret of the fact that they would like to keep him.

But amid claims that the club's president has made a 'personal vow' to sign Antony permanently, it's thought that Real Betis are unable to afford the price tag United have placed on the former Ajax star.

As such, Betis could attempt to strike another loan deal with United if they cannot reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

Fajardo confirmed over the weekend that Real Betis were determined to find a way to keep Antony at the club in some fashion in the wake of his stunning impact since moving on loan in January. He said: “It is a source of satisfaction on a personal level [to have brought Antony to Real Betis], but it is the result of teamwork.

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“Although I am responsible for the sporting management, there are many people involved in this signing. It’s still early, but we will try in different ways to do everything possible to continue enjoying Antony.”

If Real Betis do get their way and sign the winger permanently, then that could involve Manchester United ceding ground slightly when it comes to their demands. Even at their current asking price, the Red Devils stand to make a huge loss on a player who starred under Ten Hag in the Eredivisie, which is far from ideal when the club are looking to raise funds to facilitate a summer overhaul.

Despite being offloaded by the Dutchman's successor, Ruben Amorim, Antony was full of praise for the United manager recently, telling ESPN Brazil: "I've only had a short time working with [Amorim], but he's a very good coach. A very intelligent coach. United are going through a difficult time at the moment, but he's a good coach.

"I had a good relationship with him, but I needed a new challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world in this final stretch of the season."