ANTONY is moving closer to a Manchester United exit this month, according to reports.
After a bright start at the club, Antony has struggled to recapture his best form since his blockbuster £86million transfer from Ajax in 2022.
The winger's poor form saw him fall out of favour under Erik ten Hag last season.
That trend continued this season before Ten Hag was replaced by Ruben Amorim, though he has still failed to make a real impression.
But now the 24-year-old looks like he could finally be nearing an escape from his Theatre of Dreams nightmare, summarised by his horror miss against Southampton on Thursday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Antony is close to sealing a move to go on loan to Real Betis until the end of the season, with the final details being discussed after the player gave the deal the green light.
It is understood there is NO option to buy in the deal.
Furthermore, the Red Devils will also cover part of his wages.
However, this was not a clause fans were happy to see given the desperate need to sell before new recruits can come in as part of the next rebuild project being undertaken by Amorim.
Taking to social media, one fan said: "'Man United will also cover part of the salary'. They are so desperate for him to leave."
A second said: "Depleting our squad and not signing replacements."
Another said: "We better be getting a replacement because I don’t understand why we are doing a deal like this. No option to buy and also paying part of his salary while he plays for another club."
A fourth added: "These loan deals with no buy option are absolutely useless."
Many other fans were also hopeful that Antony could find some form while at the Spanish club.
His wages are understood to stand at £200,000 a week, making him the club's fifth best-paid player.
Antony's contract expires in 2027 and has the option for an additional year.
He has scored just 12 times and added five assists across 95 games for the Red Devils.
In a similar deal, United are also covering some of the wages of Jadon Sancho while he is on loan at Chelsea, although a clause in the deal will see the Blues activate a £25m buy option if they finish above 14th.
United are reported to be covering at least £100,000 of Sancho's total wage bill, though the amount they will cover for in Antony's case is not yet clear.
Amid the rumours, Antony was named on the bench for Man Utd's clash with Brighton.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST MOVES FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW