Lisandro Martinez has paid tribute to Antony after his stunning goal set the tone for Manchester United’s strong second half against Betis.
United went in at half-time level at 1-1, but the Brazilian winger broke the game open with a trademark curling shot early in the second period.
United went on to win 4-1, which should have put the tie to bed ahead of next week’s second leg in Spain.
That said, Antony had a chance to square across goal which would have created an even bigger lead, but he spooned it over the bar.
Lisandro Martinez hails Antony after goal in Manchester United 4-1 Betis
Nevertheless, speaking to club media after the game, Lisandro praised the man he used to play alongside at Ajax as well.
He said: “[Antony] is really good, a really good player with a lot of quality, his skills are amazing.
“I’m happy for him because [it gives him] confidence, which is very important, but I’m really happy [with] the job of the team.”
He also hailed Bruno Fernandes, adding: “I’m happy for him as well. A lot of criticism to doubt him, but it’s like this when you play in a big, big team, that can happen. But you have to be ready, accept, and we have to be happy with where we are.”
Erik ten Hag said Antony got better after half-time and called on the winger to use his speed to get even more dangerous moving forward.
Antony now has two goals in his last two Europa League games, having netted the winner against Barcelona in the play-off round.
He hasn’t scored in the Premier League since October’s win over Everton and ending that run is the next step for the wideman.
That will come in due course if he keeps playing like he did in the second half last night ahead of Sunday’s visit of Southampton.