Alejandro Garnacho and Antony are both searching for Manchester United exits this summer but are willing to play risky games in order to push for specific moves.
Manchester United have made three major signings in the forward line at Old Trafford this summer, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško joining the club.
That also means there is no future at the club for the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, who are both available for transfer this summer.
Garnacho, 21, wants a move to Chelsea and Antony, 25, is looking to return to Real Betis after enjoying his time on loan there last term.
While the two wingers are aiming for different destinations, they are implementing the same strategy to try and get their United exits.
Reports have explained that both players are rejecting offers from elsewhere and are prepared to wait and sit on the sidelines at Old Trafford if the club do not accept offers from Chelsea and Betis, even though neither side are prepared to match the value of these players.
Garnacho and Antony must listen to Varane’s advice
These two wingers appear ready to gamble with their places at next year’s World Cup in order to get the transfers they desire. They are even prepared to sit out six months, possibly up to a full year, if United and their preferred clubs cannot come to an agreement.
Kobbie Mainoo has previously spoken about the advice he received from senior figures like Raphaël Varane during his breakthrough campaign, and that advice is something Garnacho and Antony may want to reflect on as they weigh up their next steps.
“When I was coming into the first team, everyone was telling me. Casemiro, Raphaël Varane, big players, they always told me to just enjoy it,” Mainoo said last summer.
“The biggest games, enjoy it, because you only get these opportunities once. So you have to be in the moment and enjoy it. Enjoy the game that we all love.”
Varane has since hung up his boots, while Casemiro continues to make the most of his time at Old Trafford. Yet for both men, their first Champions League triumph likely still feels fresh in the memory – even if it came 11 years ago.
Varane’s advice show football is a short career
The thought of two young players being willing to sacrifice such precious time in their careers is something that would likely disappoint someone like Varane, who would give anything to be back in their shoes.
It’s often said that football is a short career and you have to make the most of every moment.
In one sense, it’s easy to understand their desire to join a specific club — after all, United supporters praised the determination Mbeumo and Šeško showed in turning down Newcastle to force through their moves to Old Trafford.
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But if no agreement can be reached in the coming weeks, Antony and Garnacho must look at alternative options, or focus on proving they deserve a place in Amorim’s plans at United.
Both players have too much talent and time on their side to waste crucial months on the sidelines for clubs that will not even meet their asking price. It’s a choice they could end up regretting in the years ahead.
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