How Antony has rediscovered himself with Real Betis

Antony had become synonymous with disappointment during his time with Manchester United.

Having arrived in Manchester for a fee of £86 million expectations were high for the Brazilian forward, who had just become the third most expensive signing in club history.

Despite hitting the ground running with a debut goal against Arsenal, things haven’t seemed to get any better since.

With 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, the former Ajax winger had seen himself become an outcast just three years after his arrival.

However, a January switch to Real Betis on loan has seen fortunes turn around for the Brazilian.

Return to form

Just eight days after joining the Spanish side, Antony would make his debut in Betis’ 2-2 draw with Athletic Club, creating the first goal and being named Man of the Match.

He would follow this performance up with his first goal in La Liga in a 3-2 loss to Celta Vigo, where he was named Man of the Match for the second consecutive game.

After just a month in Spain, Antony would be nominated for La Liga Player of the Month.

While performances in La Liga were catching the eye of many, the Brazilian's form continued on the European stage as he scored and provided an assist on his UEFA Europa Conference League debut in a 3-0 victory over Gent.

Goal contributions against the likes of Getafe, Real Sociedad, Vitória, Leganes, Girona and Real Valladolid were soon to follow. With such success in a short period of time, Antony also has the opportunity to write himself into the history books of Real Betis, as they search for their first ever major European trophy.

ANTONY WITH A SENSATIONAL STRIKE WITH HIS RIGHT FOOT FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX TO GIVE REAL BETIS THE 2-0 LEAD IN THE CONFERENCE LEAGUE SEMIFINAL 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Eu0aPngTOW

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 1, 2025

Antony would score in a 2-1 win against Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final.

The Brazilian has registered six goals and four assists in 19 appearances for Real Betis this season, transforming himself into a fan favourite at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

What went wrong at Manchester United?

“I think that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there,” said Antony.

“Like it or not, it's affected me a lot. So, of course, I know the potential I have.

“It's not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it's not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth.

Antony at Real Betis:

▪️ 10 G/A in 19 games

Antony at Man Utd:

▪️ 17 G/A in 96 games pic.twitter.com/hOcMsu5ZxV

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 1, 2025

“People look at the moment, but they don't look at the bigger picture, what happens to bring things about.

“So, as I said, my feeling at United was that I had good moments, bad moments too, but of course I could have done more, I could have done better.”

How Real Betis brought happiness back

With interest from Saudi Arabia and others in the Premier League it would have been easy for Antony to have chosen a different direction during the transfer window.

However, a move to Real Betis was more than just a footballing decision in the eyes of the Brazilian.

“In my heart I knew that I would be very happy at Betis, I was sure about that.

“The most important thing is to be happy and I am very happy at Real Betis. Things happen naturally!.

“Here I can show the football that brought me to Europe”.

Betis legend Joaquin is willing to risk it all to secure Antony on a permanent deal. pic.twitter.com/mhPeahDMKL

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 1, 2025

Speculation around the winger's future has been a widely discussed topic with Betis CEO, Ramon Alarcon suggesting that the club have already reached out to Manchester United in the hopes of keeping Antony for another season.

Antony’s future with Manchester United has been described as an ‘open story’ by his agent Pedroso.

What’s next?

Having been scapegoated and outcasted at Manchester United, Antony’s resurgence puts him in control of his future once again.

With rumours that the likes of Atletico Madrid are interested in his services and a return to the Brazil national team looming it’s safe to say that the struggles in England are in the past.

Whether he remains in Ruben Amorim’s plans is to be seen but the forward won’t be out of options come the summer.