'Disillusioned' Man Utd Stars Wanted 'Bomb Squad' Member to Return

Some "disillusioned" Manchester United stars reportedly wanted a member of the club's 'bomb squad' to be brought back into the fold, feeling as though he could still be "a very good fit".

In the summer, a total of five players were ostracised from Ruben Amorim's main training group until they could find a new home away from United.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia were all deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and could only train separately whenever the first-team were not present at Carrington.

With the exception of Malacia, who did not secure a new club and is now said to be in contention to return to the first-team fold, all unwanted players moved on to pastures new.

However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, a select amount of United players - including new recruits, felt that Antony could have been useful this season.

Ruben Amorim did not want to keep Antony at United. Image: Getty

The Brazilian, an £82 million signing from Ajax in 2022, struggled to live up to his price tag at United.

But he impressed on loan at Real Betis, who signed him permanently for around £21.5 million following his brief period training back at United.

Speaking about the situation at United during an appearance on the United Stand, Jacobs explained: "I'm told that some of the new signings in particular are the most disillusioned because the pitch they were given tactically and in football terms, hasn't matched up to the reality. That is quite intriguing.

"Some of the new signings looked at the United squad, including some of the players that had gone, and thought one or two that departed might be quite conducive to their game.

"There was quite a few United players that said 'If there was a way back for Antony to reintegrate, he would be a very good fit for this system and club'. But of course that exit was as much about Antony, as it was United.

"And then you've got Bruno Fernandes, who I wouldn't call unhappy. He has a good relationship with his manager and is captain of the club, but he is unhappy with playing in that deeper role."

Antony sealed a permanent switch to Real Betis after a productive loan. Image: Getty

Antony's experience in Man United 'bomb squad'

After joining Betis in January, Antony scored 10 goals and registered five assists as Manuel Pellegrini's men reached the Conference League final.

His permanent switch was sealed on 1 September after an uncertain period where he was back Carrington, living in a hotel and feeling "disrespected" by the club.

“They were very tough months in England, more than 40 days in the hotel, training separately… I feel like they disrespected me, but that’s not the point,” Antony told Onda Cero in a new interview, as per Sport Witness.

“I don’t want to create controversy; that’s life. I’m very grateful for the club; there were bad times, but also good times, with two titles.

“My family travelled to Seville four or five days before the deal was finalised; I had the house rented.”

United look to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday when they host Sunderland at Old Trafford.