In January of this year, Brazilian winger Antony put an end to his Old Trafford nightmare, when he joined La Liga side Real Betis, on a loan until the end of the 24/25 campaign – after two and a half years in Manchester.
In the summer of 2022, Antony joined Manchester United for £85m and came with a very high reputation after his performances in the Eredivisie and for the Brazil national team. However, things did not work out.
During his time in England, the now 25-year-old had become a meme, often the brunt of jokes from football fans, and even from the media at times.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
It was clear that it was best for everyone if he got a fresh start, away from United, and away from the Premier League.
Antony leading La Liga players in one particular stat
Since his debut at the beginning of February, Antony has created more chances from open play (17), and more big chances (6) than any other player in La Liga.
Considering wingers like Vinicius Jr and Lamine Yamal are playing in Spain, that is some achievement.
Antony has created more chances from open play (17) and more big chances (6) than any other player in LaLiga since his Real Betis debut.
A player reborn in Spain. 🔥
(Via: @Squawka) pic.twitter.com/cNTG1q5UBG
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 17, 2025
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This renaissance has done nothing to quash the narrative that Manchester United are a graveyard for players’ careers and that in order to fulfil your potential, you must leave Old Trafford – or better still, not join in the first place.
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Considering how, as touched on above, Antony was seen as a joke figure during his time in the Premier League, the fact he is thriving immediately after leaving United does not reflect well on the club whatsoever.
Antony is absolutely loving life over in Spain
So far, things have gone better than the player ever could have imagined. Things got off to a good start, as Antony was awarded man of the match on his debut, in a 2-2 draw against Athletic Club.
Antony then scored in a 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo – so even though the team weren’t performing, he very much was.
The forward followed this up by scoring in his next two games – first in the UEFA Conference League against Belgian outfit Gent, before scoring and assisting in a 3-0 La Liga win over Real Sociedad in mid-February.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
One week later, Antony assisted in a 2-1 win over Getafe, before getting sent off in stoppage time – a suspension that was later rescinded.
Finally, the Brazilian assisted in Betis’ Conference League last 16 first leg against Vitoria, before scoring and assisting in the second leg, as Betis won 6-2 on aggregate.
So, all in all – a very good start to life in the South of Spain for the winger. Antony is now wanted next season by Betis, but it remains to be seen what United and Ruben Amorim have in store for him.