Antony explains biggest difference from Man Utd after shining yet again for Real Betis
Antony scored a sensational 91st-minute winner for Real Betis on Sunday to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, continuing his great form on loan from Manchester United
Manchester United flop Antony has heaped praise on Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini for helping him rediscover his mojo on loan in Spain. Antony, 25, continued his outstanding form for Betis on Sunday, scoring a magnificent winning goal in the 91st minute as they beat Espanyol 2-1.
The crucial result moves them to within a point of fifth-placed Villarreal, who occupy the final Champions League spot in LaLiga. Antony's curling strike from outside the penalty area made it two goals in his last two appearances, having also netted in Thursday's Conference League semi-final first leg at home to Fiorentina.
Antony joined Betis until the end of the season in January and has impressed so much that the Spanish side want to sign him permanently. There've even been reports that LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid have contacted United to discuss a move in the region of £34million.
Goals like his strike on Sunday will do him no harm, as he looks a different player to the one who failed miserably at Old Trafford. Antony failed to live up to his £86m price tag during two-and-a-half tumultuous years at United, where he eventually found himself out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.
But the Brazilian has clicked with former Manchester City boss Pellegrini, whose full support has left Antony feeling 'grateful'. "It's very important because I've said in many interviews that I've found myself because I'm happy, things are going well," he told Movistar Plus post-match.
READ MORE: Matheus Cunha's dad drops huge Man Utd transfer clue ahead of £62.5m opportunityREAD MORE: Man Utd line up £125m double transfer deal to transform Ruben Amorim's squad"The coach joked with me because I scored great goals with my right foot, but he asked me when I'd do it with my left foot. I gave him a hug after scoring because he's someone I care deeply about and I'm grateful for his trust."
The winger, who now has seven goals and four assists in 20 games for Betis, also said: "Very happy with the win, with the amazing goal at the end of the match. We knew it would be very difficult, and now we can enjoy the victory because it's very important."
Betis chief executive Ramon Alarcon has said the club are 'cautiously optimistic' about the prospect of keeping Antony in Seville beyond the summer. Alarcon told Canal Sur: "When we spoke about the possibility to bring Antony in January, I saw it more distant than I see now him staying.
Should Manchester United give Antony another chance? Have your say in the comments section.
"It's because both Manchester United and the player have seen that Real Betis is a great place for the player to develop. Right now I'm more optimistic than in January."
The Betis CEO added: "It's going to be difficult because he is a player owned by Manchester with financial conditions that are what they are. I am cautiously optimistic."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.