After leaving Old Trafford, the once underwhelming Brazilian winger Antony seems to have cast off the shackles that restrained him in the Premier League.
Antony has transformed into one of the most explosive and dynamic wide attackers in La Liga.
In the early hours of April 22, he once again showcased his rejuvenated form, delivering a stellar performance to help Real Betis secure a 3-1 away victory over Girona — a vital win that keeps their Champions League hopes alive.
Lightning Run and Stunning Strike: Antony’s 70-Meter Sprint Screamer
The match started brightly for Betis!
In the 5th minute, Isco delivered a pinpoint assist, setting up Cardoso for a powerful header that gave the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
Then came the moment of the night in the 38th minute. After a ball recovery on the left flank, Betis launched a rapid counterattack.
Antony, stationed near the center circle, immediately took off, waving for the ball as he sprinted forward at full throttle.
With Girona’s defenders caught napping, Antony ghosted into the penalty area, where he latched onto a well-weighted pass and without breaking stride, hammered home a sublime right-footed volley.
The goal, one of the finest of his Betis tenure, was completed in just 7 seconds — 70 meters covered, a perfect burst of pace, vision, and technique.
His slide-knee celebration said it all: emotion, passion, and relief — as if all the frustration bottled up from his Manchester United stint had finally found release.
A Star Reborn: Betis the Perfect Stage for Antony’s Redemption
Antony played 78 minutes in the match, completing three dribbles (two successful) — both stats topping the game. His blistering pace and flair on the flank consistently troubled Girona’s defense.
With a match rating of 7.8, he was second only to man of the match Isco (8.7).
Since joining Real Betis on loan from Manchester United in early February, Antony has made 17 appearances, contributing 5 goals and 4 assists — directly involved in 9 goals. The contrast with his time in England, where he often looked lost and ineffective, couldn’t be starker.
At Betis, he has not only rediscovered his confidence and love for the game, but also earned the respect of teammates and trust from the coaching staff.
With more tactical freedom and fewer defensive restrictions, Antony has flourished — a reminder of what he’s truly capable of when given the right conditions.
From “Flop Signing” to La Liga Force: Antony’s Journey of Revival
Antony’s time at Manchester United was marred by criticism. With a hefty £85 million price tag, the Brazilian winger struggled to justify the fee.
His attacking output was minimal, his decision-making erratic, and he often found himself marginalized under Erik ten Hag’s rigid system.
Rather than being allowed to express his creativity, Antony was shoehorned into a limited role that failed to suit his instincts as a flair player.
But in Betis, under a more fluid and technically driven setup, Antony is reborn. His speed, unpredictability, and Samba flair have been unleashed — a true “Brazilian rebirth” on Spanish soil.
Champions League in Sight: Betis Have Clear Objectives
Following the win over Girona, Real Betis sit 6th in the La Liga table, just one point behind 5th place.
With Spain set to have five Champions League spots next season, Betis have a genuine chance to break into Europe’s elite.
Antony’s resurgence could prove decisive in that pursuit. His growing chemistry with Isco has added a new dimension to Betis’ frontline, making them a dangerous team in the final stretch of the season.
Antony’s Future: Return to United, Stay in Spain, or Move On?
When the season ends, Antony’s loan spell will be up, and questions will naturally arise: Should he return to Manchester United and try again?
Should Betis make his move permanent? Or should both sides part ways for good?
Based on his current form, Antony has options. Whether it’s remaining in La Liga, attracting interest from other European clubs, or giving United one last shot, the decision now rests more in his hands than ever before.
As for Manchester United, they must seriously evaluate whether to reintegrate Antony or move on from a signing that, so far, hasn’t lived up to expectations.
United or Betis: A Career at a Crossroads
Once labeled as one of Manchester United’s most disappointing transfers, Antony is now steadily rewriting that narrative with every goal, assist, and dazzling run in Spain.
He may not have fit at Old Trafford, but that doesn’t mean he lacked the talent. In fact, Antony never truly “flopped” — he simply needed the right environment to thrive.
At Betis, he’s found joy, trust, and freedom — and most importantly, he’s found himself.
