Antony’s resurgence at Real Betis has been nothing short of remarkable, as the Brazilian winger continues to rediscover his form during his loan spell in La Liga. After a turbulent period at Manchester United, where he struggled to justify his hefty £82 million price tag, Antony has quickly made an impact in Spain, reigniting discussions about his potential and future.
A Difficult Spell at Manchester United
Signed in the summer of 2022 from Ajax under Erik ten Hag, Antony arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations. His early performances showed promise, scoring on his Premier League debut against Arsenal and netting in three consecutive league games. However, inconsistency soon plagued his time in Manchester. Across 96 appearances for the club, Antony managed just 12 goals and five assists a return that fell short of the lofty expectations placed on him.
The winger’s struggles were compounded by the physical demands and pace of the Premier League. Following Ten Hag’s departure in late 2023, new manager Ruben Amorim deemed Antony surplus to requirements, further limiting his opportunities. By January 2025, a loan move to Real Betis was seen as a chance for Antony to revive his career.
A Fresh Start at Real Betis
Antony’s arrival at Real Betis has already yielded positive results. The Brazilian wasted no time making an impression, earning Player of the Match honours on his debut against Athletic Bilbao. He followed this up with a goal against Celta Vigo, matching his goal tally for the entire season at Manchester United within just two games for Betis.
His most recent highlight came during Betis’ Europa Conference League play-off clash against Gent. Antony scored a stunning goal a trademark left-footed strike from outside the box to give his side a crucial lead. This was his second goal in as many games, showcasing the flair and creativity that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
Betis’ Interest in a Permanent Deal
Antony’s performances have sparked speculation about a permanent move to Spain. Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon recently hinted at the possibility of retaining the player beyond his loan spell. “We are looking after him as one of our own,” Alarcon stated, emphasizing the good relationship between Betis and Manchester United.
While there is no buy option included in the loan agreement, strong displays from Antony could simplify negotiations this summer. For United, any transfer fee would help offset their initial investment in the winger as they look to rebuild under Amorim.
Rediscovering His Strengths
Antony’s success at Betis has been attributed to a system that allows him more freedom to express himself on the pitch. Known for his dribbling, creativity, and ability to cut inside from the right flank to unleash powerful shots with his left foot, Antony appears to be thriving in an environment that suits his style of play.
Reflecting on his playing philosophy in past interviews, Antony described himself as a player who thrives on flair and attacking creativity. “Dribbling is my strength it’s the Brazilian way,” he once said. At Betis, he seems to have rediscovered this identity.
What Lies Ahead?
Antony’s resurgence raises questions about his long-term future. While it seems unlikely that he will return to Old Trafford given Amorim’s plans for a revamped attack, a permanent move to Betis could provide him with the stability needed to continue rebuilding his career.
For now, Antony’s focus will remain on maintaining his form and helping Real Betis climb up the La Liga table while pushing for success in European competition. Whether this chapter leads to a permanent stay in Seville or another opportunity elsewhere remains uncertain but one thing is clear: Antony is proving that he still has much to offer on the football pitch.
Video – Antony goal in Betis’ Europa Conference League play-off clash against Gent
A man in form 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 13, 2025
What a finish from Antony 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ulgakjLKOW
