Manchester United loanee Antony added another goal contribution to his account at Real Betis on Thursday, providing an assist for his side's opener in their 2-2 draw with Vitoria SC in the UEFA Conference League.
The 25-year-old winger has been reinvigorated since joining Betis on loan from United in January, scoring three goals and logging three assists in just eight games. Antony's temporary move to Spain came after he struggled at Old Trafford following his £85 million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022. The Brazilian found himself on the periphery under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils, despite being the club's second-most expensive signing of all time. His performances in La Liga have driven Betis towards European qualification, including a stunning 2-1 win against Real Madrid at the weekend.
Antony had a hand in the goals again on Thursday, assisting Cedric Bakambu and helping Betis secure a draw in the first leg of their last-16 Conference League tie against Vitoria SC. Following a cross into a crowded box, Antony headed the ball on to Bakambu, who outmuscled his defender to fire in from close range.
As well as his goal contributions, Antony has been recognized for his strong performances at Betis with three Player of the Match awards in eight games. However, his agent, Junior Pedroso, responded to comments made by Amorim, who suggested that Antony's turn in form is due to the lighter physical demands in La Liga.
"When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there," Amorim said. "If you don't have physicality, you will struggle a lot. Antony is so much better now in Spain. It's [because of] a lot of factors, but I guarantee you it's physicality."
Amorim's comments sparked a response from Pedroso, who disagreed with the Portuguese manager's stance in an interview with Marca. "We respect Ruben Amorim's opinion, but we do not agree with his point of view at all," Pedroso said.
"Attributing Antony's lack of success at Manchester United to a physical factor is a superficial analysis that does not correspond to reality." Pedroso opted to point the finger at the culture and conditions at Manchester United as a reason for players failing.
"Many players who fail at United have success at other clubs, which raises the question of whether the problem really lies with the players," he added. Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon revealed that Antony has expressed a desire to stay at the club for the long term.
Betis do not have an option to buy Antony within their loan deal, although they are covering 84 percent of his salary. "The other day, Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year," Alarcon told Canal Sur's El Pelotazo show.
The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.
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