In an exclusive revelation, the stark reality of Antony's disappointing spell at Manchester United has been laid bare, with the Brazilian winger told that supporters and management alike had little faith in him during his three years at Old Trafford.
The Old Trafford Struggle: A Loss of Faith
Antony's £21.5 million permanent move to Real Betis this summer marked the end of a chapter that never truly ignited in Manchester. Signed in 2022, the 25-year-old endured a challenging tenure with the Red Devils, failing to replicate the form that prompted his big-money signing. His final six months at the club were spent on loan in Spain, a period that ultimately revived his career.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Spanish football expert Terry Gibson provided a blunt assessment of Antony's time in England. "I think a bit of suitability to the league," Gibson stated, pinpointing the core issue. He elaborated that the winger arrived at a club where "no one cared if he played or not" from a fan perspective, with most supporters actively preferring he was left out of the team.
Gibson emphasised that manager Ruben Amorim also showed a clear lack of confidence in the player, leaving Antony's self-esteem at a low ebb by the time his loan departure was arranged.
A Spanish Revival: Adoration and Goals
The contrast between his experiences in Manchester and Seville could not be more pronounced. Gibson highlighted the transformative moment Antony arrived in Spain. "The minute he stepped off the plane at Betis to join them on loan and was adored, welcomed by the supporters, by [Manuel] Pellegrini, by the players," he described.
This immediate show of faith had a profound effect. Antony racked up nine goals and five assists across all competitions in the latter half of the 2024/25 season, convincing Betis to trigger a permanent transfer. His fine form has continued into the current campaign, with a further six goals and three assists in 13 appearances across La Liga and the Europa League.
"He's a really good player," Gibson asserted, countering any scepticism about the level of the Spanish league. "He's the second most popular player at Betis," though he noted the Brazilian is unlikely to ever overtake iconic midfielder Isco in the fans' affections.
Current Context and Rashford's Parallel Path
Antony's resurgence hit a minor setback recently, as he served a suspension following a controversial red card against Girona on November 23rd. An attempted overhead kick missed the ball and connected with opponent Joel Roca's head, leading to a VAR-upgraded dismissal and causing him to miss the recent Seville derby, which Betis won 2-0.
Gibson also drew parallels with another high-profile Premier League export, discussing Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona. The 28-year-old English forward is currently at the Camp Nou under Hansi Flick after falling out of favour with Amorim at United.
While Barcelona hold an option to make the move permanent, Gibson pointed out the Catalan club's ongoing financial constraints. "It's not as easy to find £30m for Barcelona as it is normally," he cautioned, though he suggested their return to a renovated stadium and high ticket prices could eventually ease those pressures.
Rashford will be hoping to feature as Barcelona, who currently lead La Liga, face a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Atletico Madrid, who sit just three points behind.
The story of Antony serves as a potent reminder of how environment, confidence, and the faith of a manager and fanbase can dramatically alter a player's trajectory, turning a perceived Premier League misfit into a beloved star in another league.
