Why Antony Never Won Over His Man Utd Team-Mates – and How Real Betis Unlocked His Potential
Antony’s Manchester United career was supposed to be the start of something special — a record-breaking signing reunited with Erik ten Hag, his Ajax mentor, to light up the Premier League. Instead, the £85 million Brazilian left Old Trafford this summer under a cloud, joining Real Betis for a fraction of the price United paid just two years earlier. And now, more stories are surfacing about why things never quite clicked for the tricky winger in Manchester.
Antony’s Manchester United Spell Never Lived Up to the Hype
When Antony first arrived from Ajax in 2022, he was heralded as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents. United had been humiliated by Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season, and the club’s hierarchy went into what one insider described as “panic mode.” The price tag ballooned, United eventually agreeing to Ajax’s £85 million demand despite early internal scepticism about whether the Brazilian was truly worth that kind of fee.
Over the next two seasons, Antony managed just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. Those numbers, while not disastrous, were nowhere near what United had hoped for from their headline signing. His performances were often criticized as predictable, with pundits and fans pointing to his tendency to cut inside onto his left foot and fire from distance, rarely providing the kind of end product expected from a player of his calibre and cost.
Dressing Room Concerns Over Antony’s Ability and Attitude
Antony Manchester United
According to reports, Antony never really managed to win over his Manchester United team-mates. While the Latin contingent in the dressing room reportedly stayed close to him, several others privately questioned whether he was good enough to be a difference-maker at a club with United’s ambitions.
More worrying for some insiders was the perception that Antony did not always show the right attitude off the pitch. Concerns were raised about his behaviour toward canteen staff and other employees at Carrington. These claims, while never officially addressed by the club, added to a growing sense that Antony was not fully in sync with the culture Ten Hag was trying to build.
This lack of buy-in may have contributed to his struggles on the pitch. Confidence is everything for a winger, and as criticism mounted — from supporters, pundits, and reportedly even some team-mates — Antony looked more isolated.
Real Betis Get the Best Out of Antony
Fast-forward to 2025, and Antony is thriving again — this time in Spain. Since joining Real Betis, the 25-year-old has rediscovered his spark, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in just 28 games.
Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini believes the change in scenery has made all the difference. “Our style is more creative and Antony is a creative player, so he feels important. That changes your mindset as a player,” Pellegrini said when asked about Antony’s resurgence.
Midfield maestro Giovani Lo Celso echoed those sentiments, praising his team-mate’s impact. “It wasn’t an easy summer for him — we know how English clubs behave in these situations. They won’t let you train, things get difficult. But every time he touches the ball there’s this feeling of danger, so it’s great. It’s very contagious as well. I’m glad he’s back.”
Confidence and Role Key to Antony’s Revival
What’s clear is that Betis have created the right environment for Antony to express himself. In Pellegrini’s more fluid system, Antony is encouraged to take risks and operate with freedom in the final third. This is a stark contrast to his time at United, where he was often expected to track back, contribute defensively, and play within a rigid tactical structure.
In Seville, the winger has looked sharper, quicker, and far more decisive. His end product has improved, with a better balance of goals and assists, and he seems to be enjoying his football again — something that was rarely visible during his final months at Old Trafford.
Antony’s Next Big Test: Nottingham Forest
Forest, under Ange Postecoglou, play with high intensity and will test Betis’ ability to play out from the back — and Antony’s willingness to work hard both ways. But if his recent form is anything to go by, the former United man will be eager to show English fans what they might have missed had things gone differently at Old Trafford.
Lessons for Manchester United
Antony’s story is another reminder of the challenges that come with big-money transfers. Talent alone is rarely enough; environment, confidence, and man-management are crucial. While Manchester United will feel frustrated that a player they invested so heavily in is now thriving elsewhere, Betis’ success with Antony may serve as a case study in how to get the best out of flair players.
It also raises questions about United’s transfer policy. Brighton reportedly valued Antony at around £25 million when United were scouting him — a far cry from the eventual fee paid. Hindsight is 20/20, but many supporters now see the deal as emblematic of United’s scattergun approach to recruitment during that period.
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Careers
Antony’s journey from Manchester to Seville has been anything but straightforward. At United, he was a lightning rod for criticism, a player whose talent was questioned and whose attitude was scrutinized. At Betis, he has been reborn — embraced by a manager who trusts him, backed by a fanbase that has welcomed him, and playing the kind of football that first made him a star at Ajax.
Wednesday’s clash with Nottingham Forest could be another step in his redemption arc. If Antony continues to shine, his time at United may eventually be seen as just a blip — the wrong player in the wrong system at the wrong time.
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