Manchester United's efforts to streamline their squad are facing hurdles as the transfer deadline approaches, with work remaining to finalize the departures of both Antony and Rasmus Hojlund. While progress has been made, snags in negotiations and disagreements over financial terms are threatening to derail the deals.

Regarding Antony, Manchester United have reportedly accepted a £25 million bid from Real Betis for a permanent move, which includes a 50 percent sell-on clause. This would bring an end to Antony's largely unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford, after joining from Ajax for £86 million in 2022. Despite agreeing to a deal in principle, there are issues to resolve, particularly concerning the Brazilian international's wages and overall financial package. It has even been reported that Real Betis has withdrawn their offer after deciding they cannot afford the transfer fee. Antony is seeking a way to secure a shortfall of nearly £4m that he would encounter.

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, where he seemingly reignited his career, scoring nine goals in 24 starts and helping the team reach the Conference League final. Despite other clubs monitoring his situation, including interest from the Saudi Pro League, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, Antony has made it clear his preference is to return to Betis. Across all competitions for Man Utd, Antony scored just 12 goals in 96 appearances.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund's potential move to Napoli is also facing complications. Napoli have agreed a deal with Manchester United to sign Rasmus Hojlund on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. The total package is understood to be worth more than £43m. The obligation for Napoli to sign Hojlund will be triggered if the Italian champions qualify for the Champions League. The loan fee is thought to be worth more than £5m (€6m) and the obligation price is £38m (€44m).

Hojlund has been offered a deal until 2030 and his agent is in Naples to finalise talks, although personal terms have not been struck as of yet.

Hojlund was not part of the "bomb squad" that included Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia but is another seemingly heading towards the exit.

These potential departures come as Manchester United have already agreed to send Marcus Rashford on loan to Barcelona, while Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly on the verge of a £40 million switch to Chelsea.