‘It shook me up’ – Man United transfer deadline day bombshell revealed from end of summer

The latest Manchester United news as a former player reveals how close he was to joining a European giant during the summer transfer window

Former Manchester United winger Antony has revealed that one of the biggest clubs in Europe called him on transfer deadline day. The Brazilian endured a difficult time at Old Trafford, managing only 12 goals in 96 appearances despite costing £82 million. Antony spent last season on loan with Real Betis, and it was a familiar story for United fans – another player thriving once leaving the club. The 25-year-old had a successful year in Spain, reaching the Conference League final and qualifying for the Europa League.

Antony’s stint with Betis was strong enough for the La Liga side to sign him permanently over the summer for around £21m. This is less than a quarter of what Erik ten Hag paid for him three years ago. But the Brazilian’s story could have been very different if he had accepted a different offer.

The ex-United player has now disclosed a conversation he had in the final hours of deadline day with Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany. Ultimately, he chose Betis, but Antony admitted he couldn’t ignore the “greatness” of the German giants. He told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte: “I’m going to be completely honest with you right now, it really shook me up. We’re talking about a global giant, Bayern Munich, where there is a coach with that kind of history. Vincent Kompany called me and we had a conversation.

“He was super polite to me, said he always really liked my football, and this was at 11pm (on deadline day), a little after 11pm. “Whether I wanted to or not, it really affected me because of the greatness of the club, the greatness of the coach and the way he approached me, the way he talked to me.”

On what the deciding factor was, Antony explained: “What weighed heavily on my decision was that I’m a family man. It’s about looking out for my children. Lorenzo [his son] loves this place, loves this city [Seville]. When we were on vacation in Brazil, without knowing anything, he always asked, ‘Dad, when are we going back to Spain?'”

When Antony was announced as a Betis player, the 25-year-old broke down in tears. He said that only his family knew how hard it had been for him to make the transfer happen.

“However, now settled in Spain, Antony looks to have moved on.

He continued: “I don’t hold any grudges, I’m not angry at anyone there.

“This serves as a great learning experience for me to know how to fight with the right weapons and with wisdom when faced with certain situations because that’s part of life, it’s part of the process.

“I’m also very grateful to Manchester United because I didn’t only experience bad moments, but I also had some good moments there, with people I met who were also great.

“Now I’m here at Betis, Manchester was a very good experience and I’m very happy to be here at Betis.”