Antony signed for Man Utd from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported £86M transfer fee, and was often used as a scapegoat for the club’s dire performances under then manager Erik ten Hag.
The 25-year-old was cast aside by manager Ruben Amorim and placed in the “bomb squad” this summer as the Portuguese head coach looked to get rid of dead wood, which has since flourished away from the side.
Making 96 appearances for the club, Antony returned only 12 goals and five assists in three seasons at Old Trafford. He was a failed signing, full stop. However, he has since shined at Real Betis, scoring 10 goals and six assists from just 30 outings.
Now, in a recent interview he has revealed that he was close to dodging United and signing for Liverpool, where life could have been very different.
"Today, I feel a much better man as well as a father. Before I signed for United, yes, I was close to signing for Liverpool. Everything has a 'why' and I don't just look at the negative times I had there, because I also won titles and had great experiences.
"So, I don't regret it. I am a man who accepts my responsibilities. I think off-field matters affected me a lot, in my performance.
“I know my potential, I know my qualities, I didn't play in a World Cup for nothing, I didn't return to the national team for nothing.
"I also take responsibility for it not working out, for not performing as I wanted. But I always try to see the bright side of things, going through this entire process, this time at United, was necessary to see myself."
Antony can now put his Red Devils stint behind him and focus on La Liga and helping Betis secure more European football. He will reflect on his chance to join Liverpool where he could have lifted the title, but that cannot be changed now.