Manchester United have failed to benefit from a potential multi-million-pound windfall after a proposed move for winger Antony fell apart, according to a report by Sport Witness.

United originally brought Antony to Old Trafford from Ajax in 2022, paying a reported £81.3 million for the Brazilian — a fee that proved difficult to justify. He scored just 12 goals across all competitions during his time at the club, struggled to secure a regular starting berth on the right wing, and drew widespread criticism for his style of play.

Antony's rise at Real Betis

The 26-year-old's fortunes changed dramatically after he joined Real Betis on loan for the 2024/25 season, thriving under manager Manuel Pellegrini. His form was impressive enough to earn a permanent switch to the Seville club in the summer of 2025.

United agreed to sell Antony to Real Betis for under £20 million — a steep loss on their original outlay — but shrewdly inserted a 50 percent sell-on clause to retain a share of any future profit from his sale.

That clause came close to paying dividends when a club made a €50 million approach for Antony. However, Sport Witness reports that Real Betis flatly rejected the offer, meaning United missed out on what would have been a significant financial boost.

Betis dig in ahead of Champions League campaign

Real Betis are competing in the UEFA Champions League this season, and Pellegrini is unwilling to lose key members of his squad as the club prepares to battle on three fronts. With Betis only entitled to half of any transfer fee they receive for Antony, their incentive to sell is limited unless a truly extraordinary offer arrives.

Transfermarkt currently values Antony at €40 million.

Despite the lack of notable sales this summer, United are pressing ahead with their own transfer activity. Midfielder Carlos Baleba has agreed a contract with the club as manager — alongside the broader squad — also readies for a return to European competition. United begin their Premier League campaign against Hull City this weekend.