Antony explains how he has rediscovered his best form for Real Betis after leaving Manchester United on loan in January.
The Brazil international was one of 10 Manchester United players loaned out in January.
This all comes at a time when Ineos are working desperately to overhaul United’s recruitment policies, which includes prioritising young talent and cutting the club’s gigantic wage bill.
In August 2022, Manchester United agreed an £85 million deal with Ajax for Antony, with £80.75m guaranteed and another £4.25m in add-ons.
The 24-year-old flopped in his first two seasons at United, even though Erik ten Hag put a lot of trust in the winger before his dismissal as manager earlier this season.
Antony’s fortunes didn’t improve under Ruben Amorim and it was decided that he would be sent on loan to Real Betis in January.
Although Antony was a signing made by the previous recruitment team, featuring Richard Arnold, it’s clear that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are trying to undo the mistakes made in the transfer window.
Antony feels himself at Real Betis
Perhaps the biggest question around United’s loanees this month is where has Antony’s resurgence came from.
After failing to impress under Amorim, he’s flourished early on at Betis, scoring three goals and registering one assists in four matches.
Antony has already been hailed as Manuel Pellegrini’s MVP and his value in the market will rise if he continues to perform. That will be music to Ratcliffe’s ears.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 4 | 3 | 1 |
He’s now been questioned about what has caused such a sudden turnaround – from struggling at United to pulling up trees at Betis.
“The most important thing is that I have found myself again,” Antony told AS.
“Things go well when we are well, happy, content… In four games I scored three goals and gave an assist. I expected it and I didn’t expect it.
“I have worked mentally and physically to get to this moment. I am very happy about that. I’m very happy.
“When I was in England, I kept working, mentally, physically, very well too. So, I was preparing for this moment and now, I’m very happy to be enjoying and living an incredible moment.”
Antony remains grateful for Manchester United opportunities
There is no doubt that Antony will take his experiences from United with him whenever he goes. It may not have gone to plan, but the same can’t be said about his switch to Betis.
This will do Antony’s reputation no harm when United try to move him on in the summer transfer window.
Despite underwhelming performances after a bright start at Old Trafford, Antony will at least come away from United after winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Antony went on to explain how he worked hard every day in Manchester, but he needed to be happy for the best version of himself as a player to come out.
He added: “I was playing a little, but as you say, I was working hard every day. I needed to be happy with myself. The best version of being happy with myself now, of starting well, is very important to me.
“I am very grateful for everything, for the coach [Ruben Amorim] too, who spoke to me. So, I am very happy to be here, to be happy and enjoying every day. I have also done very well in Manchester; I won two titles, and I am very grateful.
“But when I say that here, I have found myself, happiness, the people are like us in Brazil. The sun helps a lot. I am very happy here. Every day I wake up with a smile and that is very important.”
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