Few transfers in recent Manchester United history have generated as much buzz — and controversy — as Antony’s move from Ajax. When the Red Devils shelled out close to £90 million to bring the Brazilian winger to Old Trafford in 2022, expectations were sky-high. He was Ten Hag’s marquee signing — a player he knew intimately, someone he trusted to deliver creativity and flair in a side crying out for both. Fast forward to 2025, and Antony now finds himself in Seville, wearing the green and white of Real Betis, far from the bright lights of the Premier League.
But while his form in Spain has caught the eye, it’s what Antony recently revealed off the pitch that perhaps best explains his struggles in Manchester.
A Promising Start Followed by a Sharp Decline
Antony’s United career began with a bang. Three goals in his first three Premier League appearances made headlines. It was a historic feat — the first time a United player had scored in each of their first three league games. Fans were excited. The flair, the footwork, the confidence — it all pointed to something special.
But after those early fireworks, the spark began to fade. In his next 59 league appearances, Antony scored just twice. His role became unclear, his influence waned, and he quickly became a target for critics. Pundits questioned his price tag, his end product, even his attitude. Social media turned on him, and whispers of a failed signing grew louder.
Personal Struggles Behind the Scenes
In a recent candid interview with ESPN Brazil, Antony opened up about the personal turmoil he endured during his time in Manchester. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a player often seen as flashy or aloof on the pitch.
“I think that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived there,” he explained. “Like it or not, it’s affected me a lot. So, of course, I know the potential I have.”
It’s a powerful admission. Athletes are often expected to perform at their best regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes, but Antony reminds us that players are human too. His struggles weren’t just about tactics or form — they were deeply rooted in personal challenges that spilled into his professional life.
A Point to Prove in Spain
Now at Real Betis on loan, Antony seems reinvigorated. He’s playing with freedom, smiling more, and rediscovering the confidence that made him such a dynamic presence at Ajax. Betis, for their part, are reportedly eager to make the move permanent — and United, embarking on a new chapter under Ruben Amorim, appear open to negotiations.
Antony’s resurgence in La Liga isn’t just about football. It’s about a fresh environment, a new support system, and perhaps most importantly, a mental reset.
“People look at the moment, but they don’t look at the bigger picture, what happens to bring things about,” he said. “So, as I said, my feeling at United was that I had good moments, bad moments too, but of course I could have done more, I could have done better.”
That kind of honesty is rare in the modern game — and refreshing.
Gratitude to Ten Hag
Despite the rocky road at United, Antony remains full of gratitude toward Erik ten Hag, the manager who brought him to Europe and later to Manchester.
“Erik ten Hag is a coach I’m very grateful to. He helped me a lot in the Netherlands, and in England too, even though the opportunities didn’t come the way I wanted to.”
It’s telling that Antony holds no bitterness. Even when he was benched, even as his form dipped, he maintains a deep respect for his former coach. “That’s the coach’s choice, I don’t hold any grudges or anything. On the contrary, I’m very grateful for everything he’s done with me, for all the conversations too.”
What Comes Next?
With Real Betis pushing for a permanent deal, the ball is now in Manchester United’s court. A summer transfer seems likely, especially as the Amorim era kicks off and the squad begins to take a new shape. Antony may not be part of United’s long-term vision, but that doesn’t mean his story is a failure.
Sometimes a player just needs the right setting to flourish — the right team, the right league, the right support. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Spain might be the perfect place for Antony to fulfill his potential.
Antony Sends Message to Doubters
For all the criticism Antony has endured, he remains defiantly confident in his abilities. He’s played in a World Cup. He’s scored iconic goals. He was once one of Europe’s most sought-after young attackers — and he’s not done yet.
“It’s not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it’s not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth,” he stated firmly.
There’s a maturity in those words — not arrogance, but self-belief. Antony knows he didn’t hit the heights expected of him at United. But he also knows that doesn’t define his career.
A Reminder That Football Is Human
Antony’s story is a reminder that footballers are more than just athletes. Behind every touch, every sprint, every missed chance — there’s a person dealing with pressures, emotions, and sometimes even pain. In the high-stakes world of elite football, that’s often forgotten.
His revival at Betis might not erase the frustrations of Old Trafford, but it shows that growth can come from struggle. And if he keeps performing like this, the critics may soon have to eat their words.
For now, Antony is smiling again. And that might just be the biggest victory of all.
