Real Betis manager makes positive admission after Antony debut, it’s a clear sign

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Antony made his debut for Real Betis on Sunday following a loan transfer from Manchester United.

It’s transfer deadline day and Manchester United appear to be in the hunt for a new attacking signing.

Ruben Amorim’s side were held to a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. It was another example of United lacking firepower in the final third.

Reports after the game linked United to Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, but striking a deal will be complicated at this late stage of the transfer window.

Amorim has allowed two attackers to leave the club and missing out on a new addition would increase the head coaches’ selection issues.

Marcus Rashford has completed a shock switch to Aston Villa whilst Antony joined Real Betis earlier in the window.

Positive debut for Antony

It made sense to let Antony go because he wasn’t getting enough football at United. In fact, he was playing such little football it was beginning to negatively impact his valuation in the market.

Antony has been a flop since his transfer to United from Ajax and will go down as one of Erik ten Hag’s worst recruits.

In Spain, Antony started in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Club, managing 72 minutes in his first appearance.

The Brazilian could not contribute any goals on his debut, but he did have a hand to play in the first Betis goal; his shot was saved but Isco was in the right place for the rebound.

Antony earned an 8/10 rating from Spanish media for his first appearance which is hopefully a sign of things to come. If Antony can perform better his value will rise.

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini is backing Antony to make his mark in Seville, however, he does not believe the winger has to be constantly showing off his tricks and flicks on the pitch.

Pellegrini said as quoted by the Manchester Evening News: “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.”

Antony’s performance led to the winger being awarded the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award following the full-time whistle, so you could say he has hit the ground running in Spain.

Time for Antony to step up

Antony has been sitting on the touchline for far too long. He must be eager to prove himself at his new club after being regularly overlooked in United’s first-team.

With Pellegrini’s belief, this is the time for Antony to step up and take responsibility for his performance levels, which were too low at United.

It was surprise a few to hear he played well in his debut, but Antony must continue this level of form to get back on track.

The Brazil international has not come anywhere close to justifying his huge price tag after signing from Ajax in 2022. United agreed to pay £85million but three years later he’s on loan at Real Betis.

Hopefully, Antony can use this loan to give him a chance of playing for a future elsewhere because the situation is unlikely to change at Old Trafford.

Betis have some big fixtures coming up against Celta Vigo, Gent in the Europa Conference League and Real Sociedad.