In a dramatic fall from grace that encapsulates Manchester United's ongoing turmoil, Brazilian winger Antony has been officially relegated to the club's infamous 'bomb squad' - joining the growing list of expensive signings deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The £85 Million Pound Problem
The 24-year-old, who arrived from Ajax in 2022 for a staggering £85 million, has been training in complete isolation from Erik ten Hag's first-team squad. The exiled forward has been barred from using the main Carrington training facilities and instead practices alone, a clear indication that his future lies away from the Theatre of Dreams.
This development comes amid serious off-field allegations that have cast a dark shadow over the player's career. Antony is currently facing assault allegations from three different women, including his former partner Gabriela Cavallin, which he vehemently denies. The ongoing police investigations in both Brazil and the UK have undoubtedly influenced the club's decision to distance themselves from their record signing.
Training Ground Exile and Real Betis Snub
The depth of Antony's exclusion became painfully apparent during Manchester United's recent trip to face Real Betis. While the squad prepared for their pre-season friendly in Spain, Antony found himself in the humiliating position of being housed at an airport hotel rather than with his teammates.
This segregation speaks volumes about his standing within the club hierarchy. Being kept separate from the main squad during travel arrangements represents the ultimate footballing purgatory - physically present yet professionally ostracized.
Joining the Growing Bomb Squad
Antony now finds himself in unwelcome company alongside other high-profile casualties of United's recent transfer missteps. The 'bomb squad' includes:
- Jadon Sancho - the £73m winger frozen out after public fallout with Ten Hag
- Mason Greenwood - recently sold to Marseille after internal investigation
- Donny van de Beek - the Dutch midfielder who never settled in Manchester
This growing list of expensive misfits highlights the alarming recruitment failures that have plagued the club in recent years, with Antony's situation representing perhaps the most costly misstep of all.
What Next for the Brazilian Outcast?
With the summer transfer window offering potential escape routes, United face the sobering reality of significant financial losses on their investment. Potential suitors are likely to be scarce given the player's current circumstances, with any transfer almost certainly involving substantial subsidization from the English giants.
The Antony saga serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of modern football recruitment and the swiftness with which a record signing can become an expensive liability. As the new season approaches, the Brazilian's isolation appears complete, his future at Manchester United effectively over before it ever truly began.
