Why Man Utd have included a 'penalty clause' in Antony's Real Betis deal as £86m flop prepares to complete loan - explained

The Brazilian will travel to Spain on Monday to wrap up a temporary move after Betis and United reached an agreement, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Red Devils will cover a significant chunk of his wages and there is no option for a permanent move at the end of the season.

However, Betis have an incentive to ensure the 24-year-old gets a game for Manuel Pellegrini's side as they will have to pay a series of penalties should he fail to play 10 or more matches either as a starter or by at least finishing the second half, the report adds.

United are eager to see the ex-Ajax star play as many minutes as possible to boost his confidence and help generate interest in him in the summer transfer window. A big-money signing in 2022, he has failed to live up to the hype at Old Trafford and has been reduced to just eight appearances - totalling 135 minutes - in the Premier League this season.

Betis are in dire need of a new attacker amid their inconsistent campaign so far. They finished seventh in La Liga last season but are 12th in the table after 20 matches. They will hope that, with a point to prove amid his struggles, Antony can act as a key threat over the coming months after completing his transfer.