Manchester United outcast Antony seems to have finally found an escape route from his team, as a loan deal has been agreed which will see him join Real Betis on loan for 6 months till the end of the season. After two and a half miserable years spent in Manchester United, Antony has a chance to leave and attempt to give his career the boost it so desperately needs.
The Brazilian, who played on Saturday in Manchester United’s loss at home to Brighton, will have part of his salary covered by his parent club, while Betis will cover the rest. It will be a straight loan with no buy clause.
According to Fabrizio Romano, all the details have been agreed for the loan to happen. After all documents are checked, Antony will travel and complete his medicals before officially joining Betis on loan till the end of the season.
A Disappointing Big Money Transfer That Hasn’t Worked Out
Antony arrived at Manchester United for a huge sum of £85 million and with great things expected of him. He was supposed to be the marquee signing of United’s season.
Unfortunately, things never quite panned out that way. Despite a promising start to life at the club, the transfer has turned out to be a huge gaffe.
Initially, Antony looked like a hit, he scored in his first three games, setting a United record. It was all downhill from there though.
Despite a few memorable moments Antony has not delivered close to what was expected of him. He has been so bad that saying he has flattered to deceive almost appears like a compliment.
Because of how badly Antony has been, a lot of people have labelled him as one of the biggest flops in the history of the Premier League. Certainly, an abysmal 12 goals in 96 matches does very little to help his case.
No Longer Has a Place in the Team
The 24-year-old has seen his place in the team taken as a result of his poor form. Last season Alejandro Garnacho was preferred to him on the right wing. This season, after the sacking of ten Hag, Amad Diallo has risen to prominence and has thrived.
The Ivorian operates in both the Right-wing-back and the Right-sided number 10 positions, the only two spaces Antony could have played in under new coach Ruben Amorim. The Brazilian has been reduced to a fringe player, having only two starts and a handful of appearances off the bench.
Chance to Reignite His Career
The move to Real Betis represents a chance for Antony to attempt to rebuild his career away from the Premier League and the scrutiny associated with Manchester United. Antony was once regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the world while at Ajax.
Unfortunately, since he arrived at United, his form has fallen off a cliff. Now he looks like a shell of his former self.
Antony will hope his new start will be a new dawn for his career and United most likely have similar hopes. The club would likely want to at least build up his value to sell him in the summer if he can’t be reintegrated into the squad.