Manchester United have issued Brazilian winger Antony a stark ultimatum - accept a permanent transfer within days or face being frozen out of the squad until at least January, according to explosive new reports.
Spanish outlet Al Final de la Palmera reveals the 24-year-old, who showed flashes of promise during his loan spell at Real Betis last season, is desperate to return to La Liga. However, the clubs remain at an impasse, with Betis pushing for another loan while United demand a permanent £25 million exit for their £86 million flop signing.
Club insiders suggest United's hierarchy have lost patience after Antony's inconsistent performances since his 2022 arrival from Ajax. With the Premier League season starting this weekend, executives want resolution before their first match - setting a firm Friday deadline for the Brazilian to choose between accepting one of several permanent offers or being banished to the reserves.
The situation mirrors growing unrest at Old Trafford, where Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly pushing for a Chelsea move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the 21-year-old winger is willing to go on strike if his £50 million transfer isn't approved, forcing United to slash their initial £70 million valuation.
This double winger crisis leaves new manager Erik ten Hag scrambling for reinforcements, with Bayer Leverkusen emerging as a surprise potential destination for Antony that would reunite him with his former Ajax coach. However, United remain tight-lipped about negotiations as they attempt to recoup some of their massive investment in the underperforming Brazilian.
With the clock ticking, Antony faces the most critical decision of his career - accept a cut-price move to revive his career abroad or risk becoming United's latest expensive outcast in what could prove a pivotal week for the club's transfer strategy.