Manuel Pellegrini has told Manchester United to ‘make a decision’ on Antony’s future with his Real Betis side still hopeful of signing the star this summer.
Antony is one of five United players consigned to the ‘bomb squad’ by Ruben Amorim and wants to pursue a move away from Old Trafford.
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a successful loan spell with Real Betis after leaving United in January, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 26 appearances as he helped the Spanish side reach the Conference League final.
And Betis remain keen on securing a permanent deal for the player, who cost United £85.5million in the summer of 2022.
Antony also wants to return to Seville but there has not been an agreement between the clubs. Old Trafford chiefs reportedly value the 25-year-old at £40m, which has not yet been met.
Pellegrini insists the ball is in United’s court as he reiterated they want to sign Antony before the window closes.
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‘I’ve not spoken with Antony,’ Pellegrini said on Thursday. ‘We all know that he was very good here, we want him with us, and Antony wants to return no doubt.
‘But we also need the owner, which is Manchester United, to make a decision.’
Antony has been exiled at United and been told to train away from the first team, along with Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho. Marcus Rashford was also part of the group before agreeing a season-long loan move to Barcelona.
United however have struggled to sell the outcasts. Garnacho is wanted by Chelsea but the clubs remain apart in their valuation of the player, while Sancho has reportedly been holding up a £20m move to Roma.
Antony has also been the subject of interest from Benfica and clubs in the Saudi Pro League but has his heart set on going back to Betis, according to reports.
