Home Football Antony scores another goal as Man United flop’s fantastic start with Real Betis continues in the Europa Conference League

Antony scores another goal as Man United flop’s fantastic start with Real Betis continues in the Europa Conference League

Football — 03/07/2025

Manchester United loanee Antony made another impactful contribution at Real Betis on Thursday, assisting his team’s opener in a 2-2 draw against Vitoria SC in the UEFA Conference League. The 25-year-old winger has rejuvenated his career since joining Betis on loan in January, tallying three goals and three assists in just eight appearances.

Antony logged his sixth goal contributions in eight games for Real Betis on Thursday night

Antony’s loan move to Spain followed a challenging spell at Old Trafford, where he struggled to find his form after his £85 million transfer from Ajax in the summer of 2022. During his time with Manchester United, he managed only 12 goals and five assists in 96 games, despite being the club’s second most expensive signing ever.

He assisted Cedric Bakambu's opener a 2-2 draw with Vitoria SC in the Europa Conference League

His performances in LaLiga have significantly contributed to Betis’s pursuit of European qualification, highlighted by a stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid last weekend. On Thursday, Antony assisted Cedric Bakambu’s goal, helping Betis secure a draw in the first leg of their last-16 Conference League tie against Vitoria SC. After delivering a cross into a crowded box, Antony headed the ball to Bakambu, who finished from close range.

Antony left Manchester United in January to join Betis on loan and is now thriving in Spain

In addition to his goal contributions, Antony has earned recognition for his performances, receiving three Player of the Match awards in his eight games with Betis. However, his success has prompted comments from his current manager, Ruben Amorim, who suggested that Antony’s improved form is due to the lesser physical demands of LaLiga compared to the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim recently claimed Antony struggled in the Premier League due to his physicality

Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, contested Amorim’s viewpoint, stating that attributing his struggles at Manchester United to physicality is a “superficial analysis.” Pedroso highlighted that many players who have faced challenges at United have found success elsewhere, suggesting that the issues may lie more with the club’s culture and conditions.

His agent, Junior Pedroso (second right) denied that Antony's lack of physicality caused him to struggle at United

Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon revealed that Antony has expressed a desire to remain with the club long-term. Although Betis does not have an option to buy Antony in their loan agreement, they are covering 84% of his salary. Alarcon noted, “Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year. The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we provided to help him settle in.”