Manchester United are taking a firm approach on Antony's future at the club after being disappointed with the wantaway Brazilian winger pushing for a transfer to Real Betis
Manchester United have issued wantaway winger Antony an ultimatum as the star attempts to secure a move to Real Betis. The Red Devils have demanded the Brazilian winger to accept a transfer offer this week or risk remaining on the sidelines at Old Trafford until January.
Antony spent the latter half of last season on loan with Betis and enjoyed his spell with the club. The La Liga side want to see the former Ajax ace return to the club but want to hang on until the final moments of the transfer window to close a deal with United for a loan with option or obligation to buy.
But Old Trafford bosses want to seal an exit, according to reports in Spain, and have already received offers that they would deem financially suitable and do not want to regard Betis as their only option.
Dialogue is said to not be 'fluid' with United reportedly angry over Antony's attitude. A complicating factor is any loan deal would require Antony to sign a new deal in United's eyes with his current contract up in 2027.
Antony remains one of a number of stars training away from Amorim's first team squad. The winger, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho are all in search of new teams with transfers best serving both players and club.
That said, Amorim has made it clear that United will not be forced to accept terms that they do not believe fairly values their players. If transfers are not completed, they will simply have to return to the fold.
"Some players have to find a new place to have space in the team. Other players show they want a new challenge and a new team," said Amorim earlier in the summer.
"We are just allowing these players to think and decide. If they reach a point where they will have to join the team, they will join because they are our players.
"I know for a fact Omar (Barrada, CEO) and Jason (Wilcox, director of football) and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don't reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. I understand other clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise.
"I'm ready to receive the players. They have more competition. If they want to play in the World Cup, they need to play. I'm happy with that because I'll have more options. If they have to fight each other to play, for me it's perfect."