The January transfer window saw Manchester United make some bold decisions regarding their attacking options, with both Antony and Marcus Rashford departing on loan deals. This move, orchestrated by the new Ineos regime and manager Ruben Amorim, left the Red Devils seemingly light up front. However, it’s the resurgence of these players away from Old Trafford that has caught the eye of many observers.
Antony’s Spanish Renaissance
Since joining Real Betis on loan, Antony has experienced a remarkable turnaround in form. The Brazilian winger, who struggled to justify his hefty price tag at United, has become something of a sensation in La Liga. His performances have been so impressive that he’s even found himself in contention for the La Liga Player of the Month award, competing with none other than Kylian Mbappe.
Antony’s impact at Betis has been immediate and significant. He scored in three consecutive matches, earning plaudits from fans and pundits alike. Even in games where he doesn’t find the back of the net, his contributions have not gone unnoticed.
In a recent Europa Conference League match against Gent, despite not scoring, Antony’s performance still drew positive reviews from the Spanish media. Estadio Deportivo praised his ability to cause problems for the opposition, noting:
“A constant nuisance with his dribbling and change of rhythm for the flamenco defenders. Pellegrini sat him down early because they were grinding him with sticks.”
El Desmarque echoed these sentiments, highlighting Antony’s importance to the team:
“He has given fresh air to the team, and also in this match in which he entered by ‘surprise’ at Bakambu’s discomfort. The most dangerous thing came out of his boots in the hour he played.”
A Closer Look at the Numbers
While the praise from Spanish media has been effusive, a deeper dive into the statistics from the Gent match reveals a more nuanced picture of Antony’s performance:
- 59 minutes played
- 1 shot
- 27 successful passes out of 35 attempted (77% accuracy)
- 2 successful dribbles out of 9 attempted (22% success rate)
- Won 5 out of 13 duels
- No tackles or interceptions
These numbers suggest that while Antony is clearly being given the freedom to express himself on the pitch, there’s still room for improvement in terms of efficiency and defensive contribution.
The Bigger Picture for Manchester United
The success of Antony and Rashford on their respective loan spells presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Manchester United. On one hand, their improved performances could increase their market value, potentially facilitating profitable sales in the summer. On the other, it raises questions about why these players struggled to replicate such form at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s decision to allow both players to leave in January was seen as a gamble, especially given the subsequent injury to Amad Diallo. This has left United with limited attacking options, forcing the promotion of youth players like Chido Obi to the first team.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Antony to see if he can maintain his current form. For Manchester United, the hope will be that the Brazilian continues to impress, potentially setting up a profitable summer transfer. However, there may also be some at the club wondering if Antony could yet have a future at Old Trafford if he can translate his Spanish success back to the Premier League.
Ultimately, Antony’s loan spell at Real Betis serves as a reminder of the talent that prompted United to invest so heavily in him. Whether this renaissance leads to a permanent move away or a unexpected return to form in Manchester remains to be seen. For now, the Red Devils can only watch and hope that their asset continues to appreciate in value under the Spanish sun.
