Manchester United winger Antony is aiming to help Real Betis win the Conference League on Wednesday night when they face Chelsea
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Manchester United loanee Antony pictured during Real Betis' training session ahead of the Conference League final
Manchester United loanee Antony pictured during Real Betis' training session ahead of the Conference League final
(Image: Getty Images)
Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that Antony told him he wanted to enact revenge on Manchester United for letting him leave in the January transfer window.
The United winger endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford, having been signed to much fanfare by Erik ten Hag. When the former Ajax manager was sacked in October, Antony's days seemed limited after Ruben Amorim was appointed.
Amorim has stuck rigidly to his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford, which uses wing-backs instead of wingers. Antony was tested in the wing-back and No.10 roles that Amad excelled in, but it soon became clear that the Brazilian would not fit the Portuguese head coach's vision.
In January, Amorim quickly arranged a loan move to Seville for Antony and the 25-year-old has not looked back. He has bagged nine goals and five assists for Real Betis and has also been instrumental to their run to the Conference League final, where they will take on Chelsea tomorrow.
Ahead of the game, Pellegrini was asked about Antony's return to form, and the ex-Manchester City and West Ham United coach admitted that revenge was motivating the United loanee. "I can be proud of helping Antony," the 71-year-old told the media.
"He told me he was not playing at Manchester United and was not happy. He wanted 'revenge' and to show what he can do.
"It's difficult with a €100m (£83.9m) price tag. Antony is a very good player.
"I am absolutely sure that this is a huge time for him to continue improving his career." MEN Sport understands that United see Antony as a prime candidate to be sold in the summer transfer window.
Manuel Pellegrini provides instructions to Antony ahead of the Conference League final on Wednesday
Manuel Pellegrini provides instructions to Antony ahead of the Conference League final on Wednesday
His improved form for Real Betis is unlikely to influence a return to Amorim's starting line-up. Pellegrini's men are thought to be interested in signing Antony again in the summer but would prefer a loan move which is not seen as a viable option for the Reds.
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