Rasmus Hojlund loaned to Napoli, Antony sold to Real Betis in Man Utd clearout

By SABC Sport
2nd September 2025

Manchester United have moved decisively to overhaul their attacking options, sending forward Rasmus Hojlund on a season-long loan to Italian champions Napoli, while winger Antony has completed a permanent transfer to Real Betis.

Hojlund, who joined United from Atalanta in 2023 for an initial 64 million pounds plus add-ons, has struggled to make a consistent impact at Old Trafford. Despite scoring 26 goals in 95 appearances, Hojlund endured a tough 2024-25 season with just four league goals and was left out of all four competitive matches this season amid fierce competition from new signings Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.

Napoli have secured Hojlund on loan with an obligation to buy for a fee reportedly worth 38 million pounds, triggered if the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League. United will also receive a 5.2 million pound loan fee, potentially recouping around 43 million pounds overall for the striker.

Brazilian winger Antony, United's second-most expensive signing at 81.3 million pounds when acquired from Ajax in 2022, has also departed. After a difficult spell at United where he scored five Premier League goals in 62 appearances and endured off-field issues,

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis. There, he impressed by scoring nine goals in 26 games and helping the club reach the UEFA Conference League final. The La Liga side have now secured him on a five-year contract in a 21.6 million pounds deal including a 50 percent sell-on clause for United. The club is not paying Antony a settlement fee.

These moves come amid a broader squad overhaul led by manager Ruben Amorim, who has reshaped the team's frontline. Other notable departures include Marcus Rashford, who moved on loan to Barcelona, and Alejandro Garnacho, sold to Chelsea for 40 million pounds. Jadon Sancho has also moved - on loan to Aston Villa, reflecting the club's clear intent to refresh its attacking roster following significant investment in forwards.

Despite recouping around 100 million pounds this week from these sales and loans, United face substantial losses on both players, reflecting the challenges faced in converting big-money signings into success on the pitch.