Antony has made a brilliant start in La Liga after leaving Manchester United to join Real Betis on loan.
There are now 17 Manchester United players on loan for the 2024/25 campaign after Antony joined Real Betis over the winter window.
The 24-year-old is looking to get his career back on track after slumping down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.
Antony was signed for £82m back in 2022, making him United’s second most expensive signing of all time.
However, the former Ajax star struggled to justify his fee at Old Trafford and Antony will now spend the final months of the season in Spain.
United are paying 16 percent of Antony’s wage during his time at Betis, but the Spanish club do not have an obligation to buy him in the summer.
How Antony has fared at Real Betis
After arriving in Spain, Antony won MVP on his Betis debut against Athletic Club where he starred on the right wing.
Antony was hailed as “magic” by his Betis teammate following his bright start, and it turns out it wasn’t just a one-off.
A few days after his debut, Antony scored his first Betis goal in a 3-2 La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho praised Antony for his strong run of form.
The Brazilian joins a list of United players who improved after leaving – something that has become a bit of an annoying trend in recent years.
However, Antony is gaining value due to his strong form, which could be hugely beneficial for the upcoming summer window.
Antony stayed tight-lipped about staying at Betis, although it is an option that will surely be explored if he continues to shine.
Antony overtakes Vinicius Jr in one area
In his first two matches in Spain, Antony has remarkably won the Player of the Match award in both games.
It seems he has already become a key player for his new side just a few weeks into his loan spell.
As pointed out by One Football, Antony’s strong start means he has already earned more La Liga Man of the Match awards than Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Vini Jr has only won one award in 17 matches so far this season, whereas Antony has already won two. Vini Jr – Antony’s Brazil teammate – finished second in the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/XunprdM