Manchester United’s decision to loan Brazilian winger Antony to Real Betis in January 2025 has sparked significant debate. After struggling to make an impact at Old Trafford, Antony has thrived in Spain, leading to questions about whether United acted too soon in letting him leave. His resurgence at Betis has reignited discussions about his future and whether United should have given him more time to succeed in the Premier League.

Antony’s Struggles at Manchester United

When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax in 2022 for £80 million, expectations were high. He was seen as a key player in Erik ten Hag’s plans, having worked with the Dutch manager in the Eredivisie. However, his performances failed to justify his price tag. Over three seasons, he made 96 appearances across all competitions and scored just 12 goals, a return that fell short of what was expected from an attacker of his caliber.

During the 2024/25 season, Antony found himself increasingly on the fringes of the squad. He played in only 13 of United’s 32 matches before January, mostly as a substitute, and struggled to make a meaningful impact. With competition from emerging talents and more consistent wingers, he was no longer a guaranteed starter. The club ultimately decided to loan him out, hoping he could regain form and confidence with regular playing time elsewhere.

Loan Move to Real Betis

Antony’s loan to Real Betis was finalized in January 2025, with the Spanish club agreeing to take him for the remainder of the season. Notably, the deal did not include an option to buy, indicating that Manchester United were not ready to permanently part ways with the player. The move also provided financial relief for United, as Betis agreed to cover a portion of his wages, reportedly saving the English club around £1.5 million.

At the time, the decision seemed logical. Antony needed a fresh start in a less physically demanding league where he could regain confidence, and United could reassess his situation in the summer. However, his performances in Spain have now put the club in an unexpected dilemma.

Antony’s Resurgence at Betis

Since joining Real Betis, Antony has rediscovered the form that made him such an exciting prospect at Ajax. In his first 12 appearances, he has scored four goals and provided four assists, playing a key role in Betis’ push for European qualification. His performances have been energetic, creative, and decisive, traits that were often missing during his time at Manchester United.

One of his most impressive displays came in a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, where he played the full 90 minutes and celebrated passionately with the fans. His connection with the club has grown quickly, and Betis midfielder Isco even joked that the club should start a crowdfunding campaign to keep Antony beyond his loan spell. His presence has brought a new dynamic to the Betis attack, and many at the club are eager to retain him permanently.

Did Manchester United Act Too Soon?

Antony’s resurgence in La Liga has led to questions about whether Manchester United mismanaged his development or acted prematurely in loaning him out. His performances for Betis have increased his market value, with United reportedly setting a £40 million asking price amid growing interest from other clubs.

If he continues to shine in Spain, United will have to make a difficult decision. Selling him now could help them recoup part of their initial investment, but it would also mean accepting that they failed to integrate him successfully into their squad. On the other hand, bringing him back would give him another opportunity to prove himself, but there is no guarantee he would fit into the team’s plans any better than before.

Real Betis, despite their enthusiasm to keep Antony, may struggle to afford a permanent deal. Their financial situation makes a long-term move challenging, meaning United still hold control over the player’s future.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s decision to loan out Antony appeared to make sense at the time, but his success at Real Betis has made it clear that he still has plenty to offer. If United had found a way to better utilize him within their squad, they might not be facing this dilemma now. His improved performances in Spain suggest that his struggles in the Premier League were not solely down to his own shortcomings but could also be attributed to United’s inability to maximize his potential.

The months ahead will be crucial in determining whether United made a mistake or simply facilitated a much-needed revival for a talented player. If Antony continues to perform at a high level, United must decide whether to reintegrate him or sell him while his value is on the rise. Either way, his time at Betis has proven that he still has the quality to succeed at the top level.

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