Antony of Real Betis is challenged by Robin Gosens of Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain.Antony of Real Betis is challenged by Robin Gosens of Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain.
Antony of Real Betis is challenged by Robin Gosens of Fiorentina during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Real Betis Balompie and ACF Fiorentina at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 01, 2025 in Seville, Spain. | Getty Images
Antony scored yet again for Real Betis as the Spanish side chase a European trophy
The La Liga outfit won 2-1 against Italian side Fiorentina as they now look to finish the job in the second leg next week. A final against Chelsea appears the most likely for Betis or Fiorentina with Enzo Maresca’s side winning 4-1 at Djurgarden in Sweden. Another United player was on the scoresheet in that game with Jadon Sancho opening the scoring.
However, in Spain it was all about Antony as he hammered home Betis’ second goal in Seville. The former Ajax winger cut inside from the left and hit a shot with his left foot that was blocked by a sliding challenge but the rebound popped up for the Brazilian who hammered the ball into the top corner with his right foot.
David de Gea stunned by Antony rocket
United legend David de Gea was in goal for Fiorentina as he was beaten by the rasping effort from Antony. Reacting to the goal, De Gea claimed Antony never scored with his right foot during any of the pair’s training sessions together at Carrington.
The Spaniard said: "I trained with Antony 1,000 times and he never scored a goal with his right foot in any training session, but now he is in confidence and is proving the player he is. I'm happy for him because he was coming from a difficult moment at United and now he's showing the best of himself."
Antony has enjoyed renewed confidence since making his loan move to Betis. He has played 19 times for the Spanish club, scoring six goals and providing four assists. In 96 games for United he scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 96 appearances with some of those goals coming against EFL sides in cup competitions. However, with Betis all of his goals have come in La Liga or the Europa Conference League.
Antony form only increases value ahead of key summer for Manchester United
United beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final to put one foot in the final, which will be played later this month. As things stand, United are planning for next season with the anticipation of no European football. However, winning the Europa League will transform their summer plans given the revenue boost that will come from claiming the silverware and entering the Champions League.
Even with that best case scenario, the Red Devils will still need to offload players in order to help Ruben Amorim fund his rebuild. One player likely to be sold permanently is Antony. The Red Devils are not swayed by his improvement since moving to Betis and feel his performances will allow them to earn more for him in the summer. They need around £32.5m to break even when accounting for profit and sustainability but are confident they can get a fee closer to £40m. The likes of Sancho and Rashford will follow him out the exit door.
Antony is not part of the plans under Amorim but his permanent exit is not guaranteed. Betis are keen to take him back but can only afford a loan but there is reported interest from Atletico Madrid.
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