Manchester United’s loanee list grew exponentially throughout the winter transfer window, with a handful of first-team players departing.
Ineos‘ clear-out has begun, but it was only loans the club were able to agree.
The biggest name to leave Old Trafford on loan was undoubtedly Marcus Rashford who joined Aston Villa until June, with the Midlands side having an option to purchase the 27-year-old.
Manchester United also saw Tyrell Malacia head on loan to join PSV in his native Holland.
From the youngsters who have prior senior involvement, Dan Gore is on loan with Rotherham while striker Ethan Wheatley has joined Walsall until the end of the season.
The player United will have been happiest to see the back off was Antony, with the Brazilian winger moving to Real Betis in La Liga on loan.
Romain Perraud praises Antony
Since joining Real Betis late last month, immediate impressions of Antony in Spain have been positive – with his debut catching the eye.
Antony was awarded the man of the match prize for his Betis performance, which leads us to believe he is due to have a successful few months in Spain – thus making a permanent exit this summer more likely.
Now, speaking with Spanish outlet, Carrusel Deportivo, Antony’s teammate Romain Perraud has been full of praise of the Betis No.7.
“Antony is a very good teammate. He played a great debut – he provides a very important support for us.”
“He has magic!” Perraud added.
In his debut, Antony created two chances with his 40 touches of the ball, however, his new boss was less than enthralled by the performance, criticising one thing amid some positive predictions.
Manuel Pellegrini warns Antony over showing off but predicts greatness
Speaking to the press after Antony’s debut, his manager Manuel Pellegrini sent a warning, as quoted by talkSPORT.
“Well, I think it was a very positive debut. He’s a quality player. I was talking to him just before the game.
“I think a good player doesn’t have to be constantly showing off his skills with the ball. He has to play a good game, make few mistakes and do two or three important things – a goal, a good pass, a good cross.
“I think he was very involved today, especially with the second goal. He had just arrived a couple of days before and I think he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”
Next up for Antony is a game against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
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