Antony has now spoken out about his run of form at Real Betis after opening his goalscoring account for the season against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger left Old Trafford on deadline day and completed his sensational return to Real Betis for the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
Antony had spent the second half of the 2024-25 season out on loan at Betis and the former Manchester United star sparked a career revival at the Spanish club.
However, the Brazil international’s move to the Villamarin Stadium in the summer was made permanent, with Betis paying the Red Devils an initial fee of £19.06m.
The La Liga club agreed to a further £2.59m in add-ons and Manchester United included a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the deal for Antony earlier this month.
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Former Manchester United winger Antony controls the ball during the Europe League match between Real Betis and Nottingham Forest at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Spain, in 2025.
Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Former Man Utd star Antony speaks out after Real Betis’ Europa League result against Nottingham Forest
Antony had not found the back of the net or picked up an assist for Real Betis in his first two matches since his permanent exit from Manchester United in September.
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However, the former Ajax star made a meaningful impact for Betis in Wednesday’s Europa League clash against Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Antony set up Cedric Bakambu for Betis’ first-half opener at the Estadio La Cartuja before Forest rallied back minutes later with a stunning brace from Igor Jesus.
Igor Jesus cancelled out Cedric Bakambu’s opener in the 18th minute before the Brazil striker netted his second only five minutes later on Wednesday evening.
Antony made his presence felt in the second half after the former United winger found the all-important equaliser for Manuel Pellegrini’s men in the 85th minute.
Speaking after Betis’ opening Europa League match of the 2025-26 season, Antony said that he has been playing catch-up because of his lack of pre-season football.
“I’m a bit tired because I didn’t do pre-season, I didn’t train in Manchester with the team,” he explained, as per quotes from ABC.
“It was difficult for me. I’m struggling a bit physically, but I’m feeling better every day.”
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Antony’s telling reaction to Real Betis’ 2-2 Europa League draw vs Nottingham Forest at the Estadio La Cartuja
As part of United’s sale of Antony to Betis, BBC Sport reported that there was “zero pay-off” from the Red Devils to the Brazil winger after his summer transfer.
Antony’s ill-fated United spell came to an end, but the former Ajax winger has been afforded a chance to kick-start his career again under Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini.
The ex-United star welcomed the fact that he scored and assisted for Betis on Wednesday evening, but he was disappointed with the result on the night.
“I’m happy with the assist and the goal, but sad about the draw,” Antony added.
Antony inked a deal until 2030 with La Liga club Betis and the Brazilian forward has made three appearances across all competitions since his permanent transfer.