The spectre of Manchester United has always been a heavy one but Antony is proving just how heavy is truly is after escaping it to find form.
Antony went on loan to Real Betis in the January window, with his reputation that of little more than a stressed asset, Man Utd hoping to find someone to take him.
That was reflected in the terms of the deal as well, with United paying a portion of his wages but Betis not even negotiating a buy option.
Betis might be regretting that now that Antony has flourished at Betis, but the regrets are not limited to Betis, as the Brazilian’s four-word message after a recent landmark victory shows.
Antony’s four-word message after Real Betis vs Real Madrid
From the Spanish media saying Antony has “taken over” in La Liga to the Brazilian being in an unexpected fight with Kylian Mbappe for awards, his career has taken a complete 180-degree turn.
Antony flew out of the blocks at Betis and has never truly looked back, with even fate smiling upon him as his red card was rescinded, which allowed him to play against Madrid.
This game was his first opportunity to show that his form isn’t a flash in the pan, since he did well even for United in the early stages of his career.
After Betis’ stunning 2-1 upset of Madrid, with Antony playing well again, those questions have gone a long way toward getting answered.
If his displays on the pitch weren’t talking for themselves, Antony sent a four-word message to the rest of the footballing world via Real Betis’ X account.
In a short, four-second clip, Antony says, “Antony prime, starts here”, as the camera pans from his neck tattoo to his face.
Man Utd fans wished Antony prime started here
While there won’t be many fans who aren’t happy at seeing Antony finally enjoying his football after becoming the butt of the jokes here, the irony is cruel.
Just when Man Utd’s attacking ranks are paper-thin, Antony has joined Marcus Rashford in impressing away from Old Trafford.
The player looks reborn, freed from the scrutiny and the transfer fee cloud that hung over his head, something which he had no part in finalising.
As someone who did always give his all, it always seemed like Antony was just not cut out for England, which has been given credence with his success in Spain.
It’s just that United fans would have wished it somehow happened with the club instead of away from it.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
