Manchester United have swiftly rebuffed an approach from Real Betis to extend Antony’s loan into a second season, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on the Brazilian’s next move crystal clear and with a Red Devils great passing on advice over what should happen next.

The Brazilian moved to Old Trafford in an eyebrow-raising transfer from Ajax in summer 2022 when former manager Erik ten Hag persuaded the Manchester United board to shell out a fee which would eventually top £86m – the second largest in the club’s history. But while Ten Hag had a big belief in the winger’s talents, they have rarely been on display at Old Trafford and there are many who feel his signing may be one of the worst of all time.

With Ruben Amorim struggling to find a role for Antony in the side, it was no surprise to see the 25-year-old shipped out on loan in January, where he joined Real Betis for the remainder of the season.

His time in Andalusia, though, appears to have kickstarted a revival and Antony’s form for Manuel Pellegrini’s side has underlined exactly why United were convinced to shell out such an enormous fee in the first place.

As a result, it was revealed over the weekend that Betis had already been in contact with United to ask about an extension to that arrangement for another 12 months – possibly with the option to make the move permanent.