Antony Left Man Utd to Join Real Betis on Loan in January
The future of Antony remains uncertain as his impressive performances at Real Betis continue to draw attention. The Manchester United winger, who left on a loan deal in January, has quickly become a standout player in La Liga, reigniting discussions about his potential return to Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old Brazilian winger has found the back of the net twice in just three games, also securing two Player of the Match awards. His stellar performances for Real Betis contrast sharply with the struggles he endured at Manchester United, where he had fallen out of favor under both Ruben Amorim and former manager Erik ten Hag.
Agent Leaves Door Open to Old Trafford Return
Despite Antony’s bright start in Spain, his agent, Junior Pedroso, has made it clear that his long-term future remains open-ended. Speaking to Fabrizio Romano, Pedroso emphasized that Antony’s next move will depend on various factors, including Manchester United’s squad plans and the player’s own development.
“Antony respects Amorim a lot, for sure,” Pedroso explained. “But we understood in January that his moment at the club was not good, so Manchester United also understood that leaving on loan was the best way for Antony to recover his best form.”
Why Did Antony Leave Manchester United?
The decision to loan out Antony came after the winger struggled for form at Manchester United. Despite arriving with high expectations from Ajax, his inconsistency and lack of impact in key matches saw him drop down the pecking order.
With Ruben Amorim’s appointment, Antony’s game time became even more limited, prompting his switch to Real Betis in January. The move provided him with an opportunity to rediscover his best form in a league that seems to suit his playing style.
No Permanent Transfer Clause in Antony’s Real Betis Loan
A crucial detail regarding Antony’s loan deal is that it does not include a buy option clause. This means that, as things stand, the Brazilian winger is expected to return to Manchester United this summer unless the clubs agree on a permanent transfer.
“I can confirm there’s no buy option clause in the contract. So Antony will be a Manchester United player from July,” Pedroso reiterated.
This statement suggests that Manchester United retains full control over Antony’s future, leaving open the possibility of reintegrating him into the squad or negotiating a new move.
Antony’s Impressive Form at Real Betis
Since his arrival in La Liga, Antony has been thriving. His performances have been characterized by:
- Increased confidence on the ball
- Improved finishing ability
- Greater involvement in attacking plays
- Consistent dribbling success
His revival at Real Betis has led to speculation that he could return to Old Trafford with renewed confidence and a point to prove. Antony himself has attributed his resurgence to simply being “happy” again, indicating that the change of environment has played a key role in his improved performances.
What’s Next for Antony?
Despite his positive form, Antony’s future remains uncertain. Several key factors will determine what happens next:
- Manchester United’s managerial plans – If Ruben Amorim stays, Antony may still struggle for game time.
- Antony’s consistency at Betis – If he maintains this level of performance, Betis or other clubs might push for a permanent move.
- Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy – The club may decide to offload players or give Antony a fresh chance.
Antony’s Potential Role at Manchester United
If Antony does return to Manchester United, he will face stiff competition for a starting spot. However, his pace, dribbling ability, and left-footed threat from the right wing could still be valuable assets for the team. If he continues his Real Betis form, he could emerge as a revitalized option for United’s attack.
Conclusion: Will Antony Stay at Real Betis or Return to Manchester United?
As things stand, Antony’s return to Manchester United in July is the most likely outcome, given the absence of a buy option in his loan deal. However, with football’s unpredictability, a permanent move to Real Betis or another club cannot be ruled out.
For now, Antony’s focus will be on continuing his strong performances in La Liga, while Manchester United evaluates his progress. Whether he earns a second chance at Old Trafford or secures a new long-term move, his spell at Real Betis has undoubtedly rekindled his career.
