Antony shone for Real Betis again over the weekendAntony shone for Real Betis again over the weekend
Antony shone for Real Betis again over the weekend | Getty Images
Manchester United loanee Antony played a key role again as Real Betis came from behind to defeat Leganes in La Liga lunchtime on Sunday. The Brazilian forward continued his fine form with an assist for their winning goal in the chaotic comeback win.
Antony set up Cucho Hernandez for the late winner when he embarked on a mazy run after a poor Leganes corner and picked out the striker with a smart ball. It means he has nine goal contributions in 11 matches for Betis, more than he managed since the start of the 2023-24 season at United.
His impressive form has raised the question about his long-term future at the club, though United still intend to sell him permanently at the end of the season after he was allowed to leave on loan in the January transfer window. Here is everything you need to know:
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Manchester United eye permanent Antony sale
Antony left Manchester United for Real Betis in a loan deal that does not include the option to make it permanent at the end of the season. It could prove to be a masterstroke. United could have insisted on a fixed fee for Antony to complete a summer move but instead demanded Betis pay a minimum 84% of his current salary demands.
In order not to make a loss on the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, United would need to sell Antony for £32.52 million this summer. It still looks a little too high for a side to pay, but his impressive form at Betis should see them raise closer to that figure than they would have done if a fixed fee was included in the loan deal.
United might be better off sending him out on another loan move at the end of the season, either with the option or obligation for a permanent sale, given the figure they’d need to sell him for would be lower in a year.
Speaking over the weekend, Antony said his form in Spain was partly down to the positive impact the climate had on his wellbeing. "The city has also played a lot, which is better [than Manchester] and good here,” he told Spanish TV. “I am very happy here with it. And the sun here helps a lot. You’re every day at noon, awake, listening to yourself, I go to sleep smiling and that’s the most important thing for me."