Manchester United winger Antony has embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Spanish side Real Betis on loan for the remainder of the season. The Brazilian forward's move to LaLiga marks a significant turning point as he seeks to revitalize his career after a challenging spell at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old's journey at Manchester United began with high expectations following his £80 million ($97.3m) transfer from Ajax in 2022, making him the club's second most expensive signing after Paul Pogba. Despite the hefty price tag, Antony's time at United has been marked by inconsistent performances, managing just 12 goals in 96 appearances.
Initially, Antony showed promise by scoring on his debut in a memorable 3-1 victory over Arsenal. The Brazilian's move to United was heavily influenced by former head coach Erik ten Hag, who had previously worked with him at Ajax. However, his early success proved difficult to sustain, with his most notable contribution coming in March when he scored a crucial goal in United's thrilling 4-3 FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Liverpool.
The current season has seen Antony's playing time significantly reduced, featuring in only 13 of United's 32 matches across all competitions. Despite being part of the squad that secured FA Cup glory against Manchester City, he remained an unused substitute in the final.
As Antony heads to Real Betis, currently sitting 11th in LaLiga under the guidance of experienced manager Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester United expressed their support, stating, "Everybody at United would like to wish Antony the best of luck." The Brazilian remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, with an option to extend until 2028, suggesting this loan move could be a crucial period for determining his long-term future in European football.
Real Betis's next challenge comes against Athletic Club on February 2, where Antony may have his first opportunity to make an impact in Spanish football and potentially reignite his career.
