Antony ‘Happy in Every Way’ at Real Betis as Manuel Pellegrini Confident Brazilian Will ‘Improve’ After La Liga Return From Man Utd

Antony’s Betis Return and the Long Road Back to Spain

Football careers rarely follow straight lines. For some, the journey to success is paved with glory from day one. For others, like Antony, it is a winding path of promise, pressure, and perseverance.

After two turbulent years at Manchester United, the Brazilian winger has officially sealed a permanent return to La Liga with Real Betis, in a deal worth €25 million (£21m/$27m). What makes the move special is that this isn’t Antony’s first taste of Betis life. Last season, he spent time on loan at the club and rediscovered his joy for football, tallying nine goals and five assists in 26 matches. That spell was enough to convince Manuel Pellegrini and the Betis hierarchy that Antony was worth building around.

Now, after weeks of negotiations over wages and clauses, the winger has signed a five-year contract. For Betis, it’s more than just a transfer; it’s a statement of intent.

Pellegrini Confident Brazilian Will Improve

As ever with Antony, there is excitement, but also caution. He remains a player of extraordinary flair—quick feet, dazzling stepovers, and the ability to turn a game with one strike. Yet, he is also someone who has struggled with consistency.

Manuel Pellegrini, calm and composed as always, has urged fans and pundits alike to be patient.

“I don’t have any concerns about him,” Pellegrini said. “He hasn’t played or trained for a long time. He’ll improve as the matches go by. He’s aware of the importance of improving, and we’re very happy with him in every way.”

That last line—“happy in every way”—says it all. Betis know what Antony can bring. They also know he needs time, fitness, and confidence to be at his best. Pellegrini has built a career out of guiding talented but troubled players back to form, and Antony may be his next success story.

Levante UD v Real Betis Balompie – LaLiga EA Sports

From Old Trafford Struggles to Spanish Revival

To understand why Antony’s Betis switch matters, one has to look back at his spell in England.

When Manchester United splashed out nearly €95m (£80m/$100m) to bring him from Ajax in 2022, expectations were sky-high. He was meant to be the winger who would light up Old Trafford, the new Brazilian flair player to revive United’s attacking traditions. But football at the top level can be unforgiving.

At United, Antony managed only flashes of brilliance. There were moments when his curling left-foot strikes reminded everyone why he was so highly rated. Yet those moments were few and far between. Too often, he struggled with the physicality of the Premier League, failed to adapt to tactical demands, and carried the weight of his transfer fee like a burden.

By the summer of 2024, it was clear that a change was needed. His loan to Betis proved to be the turning point. In Spain, under Pellegrini’s more relaxed system, Antony looked like himself again. He was allowed the freedom to express his creativity, drifting inside, combining with teammates, and running at defenders with confidence.

Why Betis Suits Antony

Every player needs the right environment. For Antony, Betis feels like a natural fit. The club’s passionate fans, vibrant attacking style, and patient manager all align with his personality and skill set.

At Betis, Antony isn’t asked to be the saviour or to justify a massive transfer fee. He is part of a collective, one piece in Pellegrini’s tactical puzzle. The green-and-white of Betis allows him to breathe, to rediscover the fun in football that seemed to drain away in Manchester.

His permanent signing is also a coup for Betis. To capture a player once valued at €95m for less than a third of that fee speaks volumes about their smart recruitment strategy.

A Slow Start, but Time on His Side

Antony has featured in two La Liga games this season without a goal or assist. For some, that might already raise questions. But both Pellegrini and the Betis faithful know patience is key.

Form in football is rarely instant, especially for players returning from uncertain spells. Conditioning, confidence, and rhythm need time. Betis themselves have endured a mixed start, with only two wins in their opening six matches. Yet there is a sense that once Antony finds his stride, the team’s fortunes will follow.

Up next, Betis face Nottingham Forest in the Europa League—a fixture that could provide Antony with the perfect stage to announce himself. A goal in Europe would not only ease pressure but also reaffirm his value on the continental stage.

Lessons From Manchester

What went wrong at Manchester United? The easy answer is that the Premier League never suited Antony. But that’s too simple.

In truth, his struggles were about more than tactics. United were a club in constant transition, with managerial changes, squad imbalances, and heavy expectations. For a 22-year-old arriving from Ajax, it was an unforgiving environment. He wasn’t given the time or space to adapt, and as his form dipped, so too did his confidence.

Antony’s story at United is a reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. Context matters. Timing matters. And sometimes, even the brightest talents need to leave in order to shine elsewhere.

Pellegrini’s Track Record with Talent

If anyone can help Antony revive his career, it’s Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean coach has long been admired for his ability to nurture creative players. From Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal to Isco at Malaga, Pellegrini has a reputation for giving flair players the platform to thrive.

He doesn’t overload them with rigid tactical demands; instead, he builds systems where their natural instincts can flourish. For Antony, this freedom may be the key.

What Comes Next for Antony and Betis

Antony

The next step is simple: Antony needs to translate his potential into consistent performances. Betis are counting on him not just to provide highlights, but to make a difference week in, week out.

For the player, the challenge is mental as much as physical. He must shake off the ghosts of Old Trafford and focus on the opportunities ahead. The La Liga stage suits his style—technical, tactical, and with space for creativity.

If he succeeds, this move could redefine his career. At 25, Antony still has his prime years ahead of him. And for Betis, having a Brazilian winger who is “happy in every way” could make all the difference in their pursuit of European football.

Conclusion: A Fresh Start in Green and White

Antony’s story is far from over. His Manchester United chapter may be remembered as a disappointment, but at Real Betis, he has the chance to write a new one.

It won’t be easy. The pressure to deliver will grow with each passing week. But with Pellegrini’s trust, the support of Betis fans, and a system that plays to his strengths, Antony has everything he needs to succeed.

For now, he is smiling again, described by his coach as “happy in every way.” And perhaps that is the most important step of all—because happy players play their best football.