Antony’s time at Manchester United was, let’s be honest, a disaster. An £85m price tag set the bar high, and he never reached it.
Now at Real Betis, he’s a different player—more confident, more dangerous, more like the Antony United thought they were getting.
Antony’s Loan is a Game Changer
Since his winter loan to Betis, Antony has been on fire. In just five La Liga appearances, he’s scored two goals and two assists.
That’s a direct contribution in every game—a far cry from his Premier League stint, where he managed one goal and one assist in 29 games in the 2023-24 season. Source [ statmuse.com ]
But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s the impact he’s having on the pitch. In Betis’ 2-1 win over Real Madrid, Antony was everywhere.
His presence and playmaking were causing Madrid’s defense all sorts of problems, and he was instrumental in the win.
Betis Wants Him to Stay—and Antony Agrees
The mutual admiration between Antony and Real Betis is clear.
Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has confirmed Antony wants to stay. And why wouldn’t he? At Betis he’s not just another player; he’s an asset, thriving under Manuel Pellegrini. The system at Betis suits him perfectly; he has more freedom and creativity on the pitch.
But there’s a catch—Manchester United holds the cards. A permanent deal depends on if they’re willing to cut their losses and negotiate a fair price.
With Antony’s resurgence, United might want to bring him back or at least demand a big fee.
What’s Changed for Antony?
At Manchester United, Antony was predictable—cut inside, left foot, curler. Defenders figured him out. In Spain, he’s mixing it up. He’s taking on defenders, creating space, and making smarter runs.
Maybe it’s the system at Betis, or maybe it’s just a fresh start. Either way, it’s working. There’s also the confidence factor.
At United, every mistake was magnified. Every missed chance added to the criticism. At Betis he looks free, enjoying himself again. This renewed confidence is evident in his performances, and he’s a joy to watch.
What Next?
Betis wants him. Antony wants to stay. But United’s decision looms large. Selling him would mean admitting a big mistake, something top clubs rarely do.
If Antony keeps this up, his value will increase again—maybe United will take him back. Whatever happens, he’s got his spark back.
In the end, football is as much about confidence and fitness as it is about talent. Antony’s journey from Manchester to Seville is proof of that.
Whether he stays in Spain or goes back to England, one thing is clear: Antony has found his rhythm, and he’s dancing to a tune that defenders can’t keep up with.
