Manchester United face a major setback after winger Amad sustained a severe ankle ligament injury.
Consequently, the 21-year-old, who has already registered nine goals and six assists this season, may miss the remainder of the campaign. United now find themselves scrambling to fill the void in their attacking ranks.
Furthermore, manager Ruben Amorim confronts an increasingly dire predicament. He already struggled to bolster his frontline before the transfer window closed. In addition, Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa compounded his challenges, leaving the club with a threadbare attack.
Meanwhile, Antony’s career trajectory has taken a dramatic turn. The 24-year-old, who joined United for a hefty £86.3m fee in 2022, struggled to find his best form at Old Trafford. However, since his loan move to Real Betis was confirmed on January 25 until the end of the season, he has rediscovered his spark in Spain.
In his debut for Betis, Antony was named man of the match. He then netted his first goal in a 3-2 defeat against Celta Vigo and later scored a superb curler in the Europa League against Gent. These performances underline his rapid adaptation and renewed confidence on the pitch.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Moreover, Antony summed up his resurgence by stating, “When you are happy, everything comes naturally.” His words, as reported by El Des Marque, highlight the importance of enjoying the game. Additionally, his renewed form has provided a glimmer of hope for United fans.
His agent, Junior Pedroso, also praised the Brazilian’s progress. He remarked, “This [early success] is possible because Antony is so, so happy. He’s really happy and you can feel it on and off the pitch.” Therefore, the transformation in his play has been both visible and influential.
On the other hand, United now face uncertainty regarding a potential recall. In theory, a recall option exists, but Premier League rules require a minimum 28-day period after the agreement is established. Consequently, if such an option has been agreed, United would not be able to recall Antony until Saturday, February 22.
Finally, the situation remains complex for Manchester United. The club has excluded Antony from its Premier League squad list for the season, and his recent European appearances with Betis further complicate matters. Thus, unless future negotiations bring a deal, United must contend with a depleted attack while Antony continues his impressive run in Spain.
