Antony, the Brazilian winger who was once the darling of Manchester United, has found a new lease on life at Real Betis. The 23-year-old attacker, who joined the Seville-based club on loan in the summer, has been in scintillating form, scoring goals and providing assists with ease.
Man United fans and staff must be in disbelief as they watch Antony terrorize defenses in La Liga, wondering what could have been if he had been able to replicate this form at Old Trafford. The Red Devils paid a hefty sum to sign Antony from Ajax in 2022, but he struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in 25 appearances.
However, since joining Real Betis, Antony has been a man transformed. He has already scored five goals and provided three assists in just 10 appearances, helping his new club climb to the top half of the La Liga table. His performances have been so impressive that many are now questioning why he was allowed to leave Manchester United in the first place.
One of the main reasons for Antony's resurgence is the freedom he has been given by Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean tactician has given Antony a free role on the right wing, allowing him to exploit his pace and skill to the fullest. As a result, Antony has been able to take on defenders with confidence, beating them with his quick feet and agility.
Another factor that has contributed to Antony's success at Real Betis is the team's playing style. The Seville-based club is known for its attractive, attacking football, which has allowed Antony to thrive. With players like Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales providing creativity and vision in midfield, Antony has been able to feed off their passes and wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
Despite his success at Real Betis, it remains to be seen whether Antony will be able to replicate this form at Manchester United. The Red Devils have a very different playing style, and Antony's struggles at Old Trafford may have been due to the team's more direct approach. Nevertheless, United fans will be watching Antony's progress with interest, hoping that he can bring his new-found form back to the Premier League.