Antony has wasted no time making an impact at Real Betis, continuing his electrifying form with another goal in the club’s Europa Conference League clash against Gent. The Brazilian winger, on loan from Manchester United, delivered a sublime finish in the second half, further cementing his status as an integral part of Los Verdiblancos’ attack.
His latest strike means the 24-year-old has now recorded two goals and an assist in just three outings for the Spanish side, a stark contrast to his underwhelming spell at Old Trafford.
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A Goal of Pure Quality
Antony’s moment of brilliance came when he received the ball just outside the box on the right flank. With two defenders closing in, he skillfully maneuvered past them before curling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
This display of confidence and precision left fans stunned, especially those from Manchester United, who rarely saw such moments of magic during his time in the Premier League.
Mixed Reactions from Manchester United Fans
The Brazilian’s resurgence has sparked a lively debate among Manchester United supporters. Many took to social media to express their surprise at his sudden upturn in form.
One fan humorously remarked, “You can’t help but laugh. This is Antony. Are we the problem?” Another suggested that the change in environment played a crucial role, stating, “Antony scored again tonight. See what can happen when a player gets away from our reactive toxic fanbase.”
However, not all were convinced that Antony’s revival was a mere coincidence. One critical fan posted, “Antony suddenly being in form at his new club isn’t a coincidence. Some players don’t have the mentality to perform at United and he’s one of them.” Another quipped, “Antony turning prime Ronaldinho since joining Real Betis from Man United on loan.”
Betis in Command
Antony’s goal set the tone for Betis’ dominant 3-0 victory over Gent, with Cedric Bakambu and Sergi Altimira also finding the net. The comfortable win puts the Spanish outfit in a strong position heading into the second leg at the Benito Villamarín next week.
Before that, Betis will turn their focus to LaLiga, where they face a tough test against Real Sociedad. With Antony firing on all cylinders, the Andalusian side will hope his rich vein of form continues in domestic competition.
A Permanent Move on the Horizon?
The Brazilian’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by Betis’ hierarchy. Club CEO Ramón Alarcón recently hinted at the possibility of securing Antony on a permanent deal.
Speaking to Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla, Alarcón revealed, “I think so,” when asked whether Antony could remain beyond his loan spell. He further added, “The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset. There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?”
Although his current deal does not include an obligation to buy, Betis may look to negotiate a fee with United, especially if Antony’s form continues to soar.
What’s Next for Antony?
Despite his struggles in the Premier League, Antony appears to have found his footing in LaLiga, where his flair and technical ability suit the style of play. If he maintains this level of performance, Betis will be eager to keep him beyond the season, while Manchester United might see an opportunity to recoup some of their initial investment.
For now, Antony’s focus will be on maintaining his momentum and helping Real Betis achieve their ambitions. Whether his resurgence leads to a long-term future in Spain remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he’s finally showing glimpses of the player Manchester United once believed he could be.
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FAQs
How has Antony performed since joining Real Betis?
Antony has been in top form, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his first three appearances for Real Betis.
What was Antony’s latest goal for Real Betis?
He scored a brilliant left-footed curler against Gent in the Europa Conference League after dribbling past two defenders.
How have Manchester United fans reacted to Antony’s performances at Betis?
Reactions have been mixed, with some blaming United’s environment for his struggles and others suggesting he lacked the mentality to succeed at Old Trafford.
Is Real Betis considering a permanent move for Antony?
Yes, Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón has expressed interest in making his transfer permanent, citing good chemistry with Manchester United.
Does Antony’s loan deal include a buy option for Real Betis?
No, his current loan does not include an obligation to buy, meaning Betis would have to negotiate a transfer fee with Manchester United.
