Could Antony’s Surge with Real Betis Signal a Permanent Move Away from Manchester United?

In a twist of fate, Manchester United's loanee Antony appears to have found his footing during his spell at Real Betis, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the wisdom of his temporary departure from Old Trafford. With his recent performances proving pivotal for the Spanish side, the Brazilian winger is not only revitalising his career but also raising inquiries about his long-term future in football.

Following a difficult tenure at Manchester United that saw him struggle for form and influence, Antony's transition to La Liga has been nothing short of remarkable. Since joining Betis on loan in January 2025, he has contributed significantly by netting five goals and providing four assists across 17 appearances. Last Monday, he played a vital role in Real Betis' 3-1 victory over Girona, further cementing his importance in the squad.

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed a keen interest in securing Antony's services beyond this current season. During a recent interview, he stated, "We would all be happy if he stayed, but now we have to focus on the present." While Betis has not included a permanent transfer option in Antony's loan deal, Pellegrini's enthusiasm could compel negotiations come summer.

The similarities between the player's current form and his earlier promise at Ajax, prior to his $100 million move to Manchester United, are undeniable. Antony's resurgence has sparked debate among United supporters regarding the club's decision-making. Many fan comments highlight discontent with the performance of Alejandro Garnacho, suggesting that letting Antony go while retaining less effective players could prove a critical error.

The stark contrast between Antony's statistics from his time at United compared to Betis is striking; during his tenure at Old Trafford, he found the net only 12 times while contributing five assists in 96 matches. This disparity highlights the challenges he faced, compounded by a managerial change that saw him relegated further down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.

Now, under Pellegrini, Antony appears liberated, able to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. "Another awesome night," he declared on social media after the Girona match, a sentiment echoed by his encouragement of team camaraderie as they push for Champions League qualification.

As the season approaches its climax, the questions surrounding Antony’s future grow more pressing. Will Real Betis take the steps necessary to solidify his stay? And how will Manchester United address their roster decisions come summer? Antony’s revival serves as a potent reminder of the fluctuating nature of player careers in professional football.

As excitement builds over Antony's potential future, Manchester United fans are left to ponder whether the decision to loan him out was premature. Is this a case of what could have been? Football is rife with such narratives, but for now, one thing is clear: Antony's presence in La Liga has breathed new life into his career.

What do you think about Antony's journey so far? Should Manchester United look to reintegrate him into their squad, or would it be wiser for him to continue developing under Pellegrini's guidance at Betis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Antony
• Manchester United
• Real Betis