Antony Shines at Real Betis with Style
Antony's impressive start at Real Betis has sparked discussions about his future, with his agent and Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim weighing in on his success and the factors that have contributed to it, including the style of play and pressure of playing for a top club.
Antony, the Brazilian winger, has made a remarkable start at Real Betis, scoring two goals in three games and being named Man of the Match on his debut, after joining the Spanish team on loan from Manchester United in January.
His agent, Junior Pedroso, attributes Antony's success to his happiness and ability to adapt quickly to the Spanish team, saying he's "really happy" and has settled in well. Pedroso also revealed that several Premier League clubs were interested in signing Antony, but he preferred Real Betis due to the Spanish league's style of play, which suits his skills. The loan deal does not have a buy option clause, so Antony will return to Manchester United in June.
Antony scored his first European goal for Betis in a 3-0 win over Gent in the Europa Conference League playoff first leg, opening the scoring in the 47th minute. The Spanish side dominated the second half, with Cédric Bakambu and Sergi Altimira also scoring to seal the victory. The win puts Betis in a favorable position ahead of the return leg, with Gent facing a tough challenge to overturn the deficit.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believes that the club's lack of a strong base is the reason why players like Antony and Scott McTominay have flourished away from Old Trafford. Amorim cited the pressure of playing for the club as a factor, stating that teams with a strong core can help younger players cope with the pressure. He also suggested that Antony and McTominay are playing better without the pressure of Manchester United, allowing them to be "free to play their football."
As Antony continues to shine at Real Betis, his future at Manchester United or the Spanish club remains uncertain. With his loan deal set to expire in June, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the talented Brazilian winger.