There has been one undeniable success story from Manchester United’s January loan exodus.
Ruben Amorim wasted zero time revamping his squad after arriving, with three first-team players sent packing.
With no place in Amorim’s Manchester United, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia were all loan exits with the hope that they would secure permanent summer moves over their six month loans.
Rashford will be returning to United, at least until he finds a new suitor considering a move to Villa looks unlikely. Malacia has also failed to impress while with PSV, meaning he will almost certainly be back and a player Ineos will be trying to sell.
However, there was one big success in that Antony reached new heights altogether for Betis, where he has become a club hero inside six months.
Now, the biggest game of his career is on the horizon.
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Manuel Pellegrini speaks out on Antony ahead of Conference League final
Antony has been so good in Spain, which makes it baffling as to where this player was for two and a half years at United.
The Brazilian has left the La Liga side in awe, with Antony helping Betis secure Europa League football next season. However, it could yet get better if he can play a key role in overcoming Chelsea in the Conference League final.
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Antony will look to add European silverware, after his parent club failed to, and ahead of the game, Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has spoken, as quoted by Nizaar Kinsella, about Antony.
“He wanted revenge at Betis, and he did it in a way. We know he can do it, but it is not easy when you pay 100 million for a player.
“Antony is a great player, and it was a good time in Betis, improving in his career.”
Antony has scored some excellent goals for Betis in their Conference League run, including two wonder strikes in the semi-final against Fiorentina and David de Gea.
Antony can do Manchester United a huge favour during Conference League final
The Conference League final will see Antony and Betis take on Chelsea, which is a massive game for Antony, in which he can do United a favour.
By putting in another brilliant performance, Antony is sure to lead United to a further pay day with a valuation of £35m already way beyond what the Brazilian was worth pre-loan.
Antony has been thriving away from Old Trafford and there is substantial interest meaning he is likely to be signed, with Atletico Madrid thought to be rivalling Betis.
In addition, Betis cannot easily afford Antony. Due to this, figures around Betis have suggested crowd-funding which could help, but winning the Conference League will be key, worth around £6m, and surely more in sponsorships.
Antony could be a European champion this time tomorrow, and United will be hoping he is, with the Brazilian’s ‘revenge’ arc all but completed.