Real Betis will be relieved that Antony is already having a positive influence on the team, after completing a permanent move to the La Liga club on transfer deadline day.
Antony had to find a way out of Manchester United, like he did last term, by joining Real Betis on loan for the second half of the season.
The Brazilian international became a key player under Manuel Pellegrini, which led Real Betis to do everything to strike a separate deal to keep him at the club.
It paid dividends on Wednesday night when Antony starred in Betis’ 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Europa League. The 25-year-old provided an assist and scored an equalising goal with his weaker foot to secure a point for Pellegrini’s side.
Antony’s performance showed how his confidence has been restored after struggling to deal with the pressure at Old Trafford, especially when he was listed as one of United’s most expensive ever signings.
Jadon Sancho hails Antony after Europa League heroics
United loanee and fellow flop Jadon Sancho was happy to see Antony pick up where he left off for Real Betis as he scored his first goal of the season.
Sancho was among the first to congratulate Antony after scoring a late equaliser against Premier League opposition.
Interestingly, Antony already had an impressive record against Fores, which he built on last night with two goal contributions.
Antony showed great creativity to set up Cedric Bakambu’s opener in the 15th minute before Forest’s Igor Jesus scored twice in five minutes to put the Premier League side ahead. Forest thought they were taking three points home before Antony’s leveller in the 85th minute.
Like Antony, Sancho was cast aside by Ruben Amorim during the summer as both players secured moves elsewhere. However, the English winger could only secure a loan move to Aston Villa. They were part of the infamous ‘bomb squad’ that included Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
On social media, Sancho recorded Antony’s late equaliser against Forest and wrote: “Hermano! *fire emoji* *clapping hands emoji*”
For those wondering, that translates to brother in English.
Antony reshared the post and tagged United left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Antony continues to shine in Europe
If it wasn’t for Antony, Real Betis wouldn’t be playing in the Europa League this season. That is among the reasons why the United flop wanted to return to the club ahead of this season.
Antony also helped guide Betis to the Europa Conference League final before losing to Chelsea. He scored four times and produced another three assists in the competition.
The winger turned down interest from other clubs to sign for Betis.
Antony will be hoping to reach the latter stages of the Europa League with Betis this season.
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