Antony Reveals Thoughts on Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim

A Look Back on His Time at Manchester United and What Comes Next

When Antony arrived in England back in 2022, few could have predicted the whirlwind journey that lay ahead. Signed for a hefty fee from Ajax—reportedly around £85 million—expectations were sky-high. Early on, he looked every bit the star United hoped he would be. Goals in his first three Premier League matches, a memorable strike against Barcelona in the Europa League, and that trademark flair—the Brazilian winger seemed destined for greatness at Old Trafford.

Fast forward to 2025, and the story has taken quite a different turn. Currently on loan at Real Betis, Antony has been showing flashes of the talent that once lit up the Eredivisie. In 16 appearances for the Spanish club, he’s notched eight goals and assists, suggesting that perhaps a new environment was exactly what he needed to rediscover his rhythm.

But what about Manchester United? And more specifically, what about new boss Ruben Amorim—the man who took over in a transitional period for the Red Devils and only had a short window to work with Antony before the winger departed?

“No Bad Blood” – Antony on His Relationship with Ruben Amorim

Antony has enjoyed a fresh setting at Real Betis / Fran Santiago/GettyImages

Speaking to ESPN Brazil, Antony was refreshingly honest and surprisingly complimentary about Amorim, despite their brief time together at United.

“I’ve only had a short time working with [Ruben Amorim], but he’s a very good coach. A very intelligent coach,” Antony said.

It’s a sentiment that might surprise some, given that the Brazilian only started two matches under Ruben Amorim before being sent out on loan. But according to Antony, there’s mutual respect between the two.

“United are going through a difficult time at the moment, but he’s a good coach. I had a good relationship with him, but I needed a new challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world in this final stretch of the season.”

It’s not often you hear a player speak so candidly about a coach they barely worked with, especially after losing their spot in the squad. But Antony’s remarks paint a picture of a player who isn’t bitter—just ready for a fresh start.

The Price Tag, the Pressure, and the Problems

When United shelled out nearly £85 million to bring Antony to Manchester, it came with inevitable pressure. And while he enjoyed early success, the winger struggled to maintain consistency.

Looking back now, Antony admits that his off-field issues played a significant role in his decline.

“I think that, apart from my football life, my personal life got in the way a lot, because of the things I went through, the moments I lived [in Manchester]. Like it or not, it’s affected me a lot,” he said.

In particular, the beginning of the 2023/24 season marked a dark period. Multiple allegations of domestic assault surfaced, and though Antony has maintained his innocence, the fallout was immediate. Dropped from Brazil’s national team, placed on a leave of absence by United—it was a turbulent time for a player still trying to find his feet in a foreign country.

He didn’t shy away from that reality: “So, of course, I know the potential I have. It’s not for nothing that I went to a World Cup, it’s not for nothing that I was sold to United for a lot of money, and I know my worth.”

Antony’s reflections strike a balance between confidence and regret—an acknowledgment that he could’ve done more, but also a reminder that there were factors beyond football influencing his trajectory.

Rebuilding in Spain: A New Chapter at Real Betis

Since his move to Real Betis in January, Antony appears to have found a better groove. The Spanish league’s rhythm, the less intense media scrutiny, and the opportunity to play regularly have allowed him to regain some form and confidence.

While nothing is official yet, reports strongly suggest that Manchester United are planning to offload Antony permanently this summer. The club is believed to be seeking around £40 million for his services—less than half of what they paid, but perhaps a realistic valuation given his current standing.

For Antony, a permanent move might just be the best thing. He seems to be embracing the opportunity to start over, away from the weight of expectations that came with his Old Trafford arrival.

Ruben Amorim: United’s Quiet Architect?

As for Ruben Amorim, the man now tasked with rebuilding Manchester United, his early days have been anything but easy. He walked into a club in flux—struggling for form, questions about identity, and a fanbase desperate for direction.

And yet, even in a short time, players like Antony have noted Ruben Amorim’s intelligence and coaching acumen. It’s still early to judge whether the Portuguese manager will be the one to restore United’s former glory, but comments like Antony’s suggest that Ruben Amorim is earning the respect of those inside the dressing room.

“He’s a very intelligent coach,” Antony repeated—perhaps a clue that Ruben Amorim’s tactical ideas were beginning to resonate, even if they hadn’t yet translated to results during Antony’s time.

No Regrets, Just Lessons

Reflecting on his journey so far, Antony doesn’t come across as someone angry or disappointed. Instead, he sounds like someone who’s learned—sometimes the hard way—how volatile life in professional football can be.

“My feeling at United was that I had good moments, bad moments too, but of course I could have done more, I could have done better.”

It’s a refreshingly human perspective. Too often, football narratives are binary: success or failure, hero or flop. Antony’s story reminds us that the truth is usually somewhere in between.

He’s still only 25. There’s time to rebuild, to rebrand, and to return to the heights he once touched. Whether that’s in Spain or elsewhere, it’s clear that Antony hasn’t given up on proving himself.

What’s Next?

With a few games left in the season, Real Betis are pushing for a strong finish in La Liga, and Antony remains an important piece of that puzzle. Should he continue performing, it’s likely the Spanish side—or perhaps another suitor—will try to secure his services permanently.

Meanwhile, back at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim’s project continues. Whether he’s building a squad without Antony or simply reshaping the roles, the summer will be crucial. One thing’s for sure—both men are entering important new phases in their careers.

And despite their brief time together, there seems to be mutual appreciation and respect—a rare thing in the often brutal world of modern football.