Among the forwards loaned out by Manchester United during the winter transfer window was Antony, who left Old Trafford without having started a single Premier League game in the 2024-2025 season.
The Brazilian winger, signed for £86 million, had already seen his role diminish under Erik ten Hag in the manager’s final campaign. When Ruben Amorim took charge in November, Antony’s chances of reclaiming a spot in the starting XI were virtually non-existent.
Amorim did give the 24-year-old a platform to prove himself, handing him nine appearances, including two starts in the Europa League against Bodo/Glimt and a brief outing in the Carabao Cup’s 4-3 defeat to Tottenham.
However, his impact was minimal, and he was substituted after just 55 minutes in that Spurs clash.
Following his move to Real Betis, Antony has wasted no time making an impression. In just his second La Liga appearance, he matched his goal tally from the first half of the season at United, scoring in a 3-2 loss against Celta Vigo.
Since arriving in Spain, Antony has already been named Player of the Match twice, suggesting he may thrive better outside of English football.
Antony has already received more LaLiga MOTM awards this season than Vinícius Jr 🤯🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ktwGrqNRcE
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 10, 2025
His playing style and attacking instincts may not be suited to the Premier League, where defenders quickly adapted to his game after his initial outings.
With INEOS now steering United’s football operations, they may be best served by accepting that Antony is better suited to Spanish football and allowing him to continue his career at Betis beyond this season.
The prospect of a permanent stay has already been acknowledged by Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon, who addressed the matter in a recent interview.
He said: “I think so (we could keep Antony long-term). The other day, the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset.
“There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”
Right now there is no buy option included in the current loan deal, meaning the two clubs would need to negotiate a transfer fee in the summer if Betis decide to make Antony’s move permanent.