Antony’s career has taken a dramatic turn. Once branded as Manchester United’s most expensive flop at £86 million, the Brazilian forward now dazzles in La Liga.
In fact, his recent performances at Real Betis have captured the attention of football fans and pundits alike.
On Sunday, Antony scored in his third consecutive match. Moreover, this goal came in only his fourth appearance on loan. He helped Real Betis secure a vital win over Real Sociedad, and his contribution was not limited to goals. In a 3–0 triumph, he also provided an assist, showcasing his versatility on the pitch.
Furthermore, Antony has matched his goal contributions from his last 29 games for Manchester United in far less playing time. He has boosted his shot conversion rate dramatically from a toothless 6% to an impressive 25% since joining Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis. Consequently, his own words from the season’s eve—“Rest assured you’ll hear the name Antony in relation to goals and assists”—have proven to be prophetic.
Similarly, Scott McTominay has experienced a revival after leaving Old Trafford. He moved to Napoli for £35 million at the end of August and has since scored 7 goals in just 24 appearances. In contrast, McTominay had managed 29 goals in 255 games for Manchester United, which further highlights his resurgence abroad.
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In addition, Marcus Rashford, another major United castaway, nearly found the back of the net on his Premier League debut for Aston Villa. His free-kick against Ipswich Town rattled the crossbar before Ollie Watkins converted the rebound. Moreover, last season saw Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho flourish on loan—Greenwood helped Marseille surge into second place in Ligue 1 after signing for £26.6 million, whereas Sancho’s £20–£25 million move to Chelsea proved less successful.
Indeed, Antony’s exploits in Spain might eclipse his previous struggles at Manchester United. Since arriving from Ajax in August 2022, his performances have become a testament to his talent when given the right environment. Consequently, his rapid impact on the Spanish stage has sparked comparisons with other United players who revived their careers after departing Old Trafford.
Moreover, Antony’s Old Trafford tenure was marred by serious off-field allegations. He faced accusations of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, both in the UK and Brazil. Notably, Greater Manchester Police continue to investigate these claims. In August, police in São Paulo found insufficient evidence to press charges, a development that provided some relief to his camp.
Looking ahead, Antony is set to return to Manchester United this summer. His loan deal at Betis does not include an option to buy, which means his impressive turnaround could soon fuel further debate about his future at Old Trafford. Overall, his remarkable transformation, underscored by tangible stats and renewed confidence, paints an exciting picture for the Brazilian’s career.