Antony credits ‘important’ Manuel Pellegrini approach at Real Betis, acknowledges feeling ‘more secure’ since Man Utd exit

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Antony could not have asked for a better start at Real Betis.

The 25-year-old was sent on loan to Real Betis in January after failing to nail down a place in Ruben Amorim’s team.

Since arriving at Estadio Benito Villamarin, Antony has been an important addition to Betis’ attack, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six appearances.

The former Ajax star, who Erik ten Hag signed for £85 million in 2022, struggled to find consistency in his form in England. He managed just 12 goals in 96 appearances but it’s been a different story for him in Spain.

Despite getting sent off in Betis’ 2-1 victory over Getafe, Antony will be available to face Real Madrid this weekend after the Spanish FA overturned his red card.

The United loanee was sent for an early shower in stoppage time for a late tackle on Juan Iglesias, but Betis were successful in their appeal to the RFEF, who ruled that Antony had attempted to play the ball without making contact with his opponent.

Antony enjoying spell under Manuel Pellegrini

At United, before his sacking, Ten Hag put a lot of faith in Antony and gave him plenty of opportunities to turn things around.

Amorim also gave the Brazil international chances to prove himself.

It may be the case that Antony is better suited to Spanish football, or a team like Betis, but the winger has credited his new manager Manuel Pellegrini with being an important factor in his quick adaptation to La Liga.

“The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself,” Antony told Estadio Deportivo. I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.

“Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence. His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.

“When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before. There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”

Antony doesn’t care about price tag

From United’s perspective, the aim of Antony’s loan was for the player to impress and revalue himself ahead of a permanent move in the summer.

Ineos will be determined to recoup some of the money United paid for him.

Antony has stressed that he is focused on Betis rather than his price tag.

He added: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.

“I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team. It’s still too early to talk about my future.

“I know how much money they paid for me. I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”

It sounds like Antony is warming to Betis, although it remains to be seen if they will be able to afford a deal for the tricky winger if he continues to provide goals in Spain.