Antony continues blistering Real Betis start, Manchester United have already fallen for it once

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Manchester United winger Antony is showing what he is capable of out on loan at Real Betis.

Antony could have legitimate cause for complaint at his lack of opportunity at Manchester United this season. With three different managers in the dugout, the Brazilian was not given a single Premier League start.

To counter, Antony did play more than 400 minutes in all competitions and managed just one goal contribution, a penalty against Barnsley.

While last season in 1,910 minutes of action, Antony scored only three goals and managed two assists. Take away his contributions against Newport County, and it’s two goals and one assist.

It weas little surprise he was sent out on loan, especially with Ruben Amorim’s tactics making him an odd positional fit. At Real Betis, Antony has looked rejuvenated.

Antony scores again for Real Betis

Antony was sent on loan to Real Betis in the January transfer window has been the career reset he needed.

Ineos included a clause insisting Antony must play a set number of minutes, or face a financial penalty, and Real Betis won’t be upset with that right now.

Antony has become a key contributor for the Spanish side already, and scored again in their victory over Real Sociedad.

The on loan Manchester United man scored one goal and won a penalty in a game Betis won 3-0. It continues his great start.

Antony now has three goals in his opening four games for the Spanish side, two goals in La Liga and another in the Europa Conference League. If you discard his debut, then it’s three goals in three games since.

His impact has been hailed by the Spanish media, while his teammates have also praised his quality after his impressive performances.

Manchester United have seen Antony start well

Manchester United fans should not be worried about Antony’s early performances for Real Betis. This is not a case of the Red Devils missing a trick.

Antony played 96 games for Manchester United, scoring 12 times in total. Over that timespan we saw enough from the Brazilian to demonstrate his strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for this team.

He even teased United in a similar way, scoring three goals in his first three games, against Arsenal, Everton and Manchester City.

And this was followed by nine in a further 93, a long way from being the prolific winger he had suggested he might be.

Antony’s start at Real Betis is great. Perhaps it continues a little longer than his United streak. And perhaps there is not such an inconsistent drop-off.

United can’t be swayed by it. This is not a case where the club’s plans should be adjusted, and a place plotted for him in next season’s squad.

Instead it should strengthen the club’s resolve to cash in this summer, strike while the iron is hot, in the hope Antony can maintain some level of productivity for Betis between now and the end of the season.

With PSR issues and debt creating a financial liability for United, Ruben Amorim has already admitted the club need to sell players.

Antony looks like one who might fetch a fee. A long way from the figure United spent, but that matters little now, the simple fact he looks sellable is good news, with Betis already keen.