Antony registered another goal contribution for Real Betis on Thursday night
He has now logged three goals and three assists in eight games for his new club
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By YASEEN ZAMAN
Published: 15:45 EST, 6 March 2025 | Updated: 15:45 EST, 6 March 2025
Man United loanee Antony added another goal contribution to his account at Real Betis on Thursday when he provided an assist for his side's opener in their 2-2 draw with Vitoria SC in the UEFA Conference League.
The winger, 25, has been reinvigorated since joining Betis on loan from United in January, scoring three goals and logging three assists in just eight games.
Antony's temporary move to Spain came after he badly struggled at Old Trafford following his £85million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022, with the Brazilian finding himself on the periphery under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils, despite being the club's second most expensive signing of all-time.
His performances in LaLiga have driven Betis towards European qualification - which included a stunning 2-1 win against Real Madrid at the weekend.
Antony had a hand in the goals again on Thursday to assist Cedric Bakambu and help Betis secure a draw in the first leg of their last-16 Conference League tie against Vitoria SC.
Antony logged his sixth goal contributions in eight games for Real Betis on Thursday night
He assisted Cedric Bakambu's opener a 2-2 draw with Vitoria SC in the Europa Conference League
Antony left Manchester United in January to join Betis on loan and is now thriving in Spain
Following a cross into a crowded box, Antony headed the ball on to Bakambu, who out-strengthened his defender to fire in from close range.
It was hardly the most glamorous of assists but they all count the same.
As well as his goal contributions, Antony has been recognised for his strong performances at Betis with three Player of the Match awards in eight games.
But his agent Junior Pedroso snapped back at Amorim after the United boss suggested that Antony's turn in form is due to the lighter physical demands in LaLiga.
‘When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there,' Amorim said. ‘If you don't have physicality, you will struggle a lot.
‘Antony is so much better now in Spain. It's [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it's physicality.’
Amorim’s comments sparked a punchy response from Pedroso, who disagreed with the Portuguese’s stance in an interview with Marca.
‘We respect Ruben Amorim's opinion, but we do not agree with his point of view at all,' Pedroso said.
Ruben Amorim recently claimed Antony struggled in the Premier League due to his physicality
His agent, Junior Pedroso (second right) denied that Antony's lack of physicality caused him to struggle at United
‘Attributing Antony's lack of success at Manchester United to a physical factor is a superficial analysis that does not correspond to reality.’
In addition, Pedroso opted to point the finger at the culture and conditions at Manchester United as a reason for players failing.
He added: ‘Many players who fail at United have success at other clubs, which raises the question of whether the problem really lies with the players.’
Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon revealed that Antony has expressed a desire to stay at the club for the long-term.
Betis do not have an option to buy Antony within their loan deal, although they are covering 84 per cent of his salary.
'The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year,' Alarcon told Canal Sur's El Pelotazo show.
'The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.'
AntonyManchester United