2 x 72 minutes on the pitch. Both times named Player of the Match in La Liga. Scoring in the last. Manchester United fans have become accustomed to players sparkling when they have left Old Trafford, either on loan or on a permanent transfer, but that one of the most expensive flops in club history does so in the first two games without a United shirt, it will be excessive. For Antony, a door is already opening for next season.
Ruben Amorim stated before the New Year that Antony’s problem was not the technical, but the lack of self-confidence. Crumbs of playing time after this have not given much replenishment in that department. Then came the loan to Real Betis in January, where the 24-year-old sparkled as the best player of the La Liga match – twice in a row.
Real Betis boss Ramón Alarcón has already started planning more Antony next season.
In an interview with Radio Sevilla, the Betis director answered whether it could be relevant to have Antony in the squad next season as well.
“I think so. The other day, United’s CEO called me. We sent them all the moves and details about the player throughout the week, so they can see that we are taking care of their player. There is very good chemistry with Manchester (United) and with the player. There is a possibility that he will stay next season, why not?” says the Betis boss.
Antony’s market value is down to 20 million euros (transfermarkt), around 75 million euros less than what Manchester United paid Ajax. If Real Betis are given the opportunity to give Antony free rein on the pitch under coach Manuel Pellegrini next season as well, we should not ignore that Manchester United reduce the loss somewhat by future sales of the Brazilian.
