Manchester United supporters have been left in shock as Brazilian winger Antony finally opens up about the difficulties he faced during his tenure at Old Trafford. The former Ajax sensation, who made a high-profile move to United for a staggering £85 million, failed to meet expectations under Erik ten Hag. However, since securing a loan move to Real Betis in January, Antony has been in outstanding form—delivering goals, assists, and performances that have left many questioning why he struggled so much in the Premier League.
Now, Antony has revealed that a crucial change in his approach at Betis has been the key to his recent success. His transformation has sparked curiosity among fans and analysts alike, prompting the question: what exactly did he stop doing in Spain that had previously hindered his performances in England?
In a candid interview with Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Antony admitted that his struggles at Manchester United were largely due to his predictable style of play. The winger heavily relied on cutting inside onto his favored left foot, a move that quickly became easy for Premier League defenders to anticipate and nullify. Reflecting on his time in England, Antony confessed that his inability to diversify his approach made him an easy target for opposition defenses.
At Real Betis, however, Antony has been given greater tactical flexibility. Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, he has been encouraged to vary his movements—alternating between cutting inside, driving down the flank, and even switching wings mid-match. This newfound freedom has unlocked a version of Antony that Manchester United fans had initially hoped to see when he joined the club in 2022. His ability to adapt and embrace a more fluid attacking role has significantly enhanced his performances.
A major reason behind Antony’s underwhelming stint at United appears to have been a combination of tactical restrictions, immense pressure, and a lack of confidence. He often received criticism for being too predictable, hesitating to use his right foot, and slowing down attacks. In contrast, at Betis, he has been liberated from these constraints, allowing his natural instincts to flourish. His goal-scoring record in La Liga already surpasses what he managed in an entire season at United, underscoring the impact of his shift in playing style.
Antony himself has acknowledged the difference in mindset between his time at Manchester United and his current spell at Betis. He admitted that the overwhelming pressure to justify his price tag at Old Trafford affected his decision-making and overall performance. At Betis, he feels lighter, more relaxed, and able to focus purely on enjoying his football, which has translated into improved performances on the pitch.
With Antony thriving in Spain, the question now arises: does he have a future at Manchester United, or has his chapter at the club effectively come to an end? The fanbase remains divided—some believe he deserves another shot if he can sustain this level of play, while others argue that his struggles in England were too significant to overlook.
For now, Antony’s primary focus remains on his loan spell with Betis. If his resurgence continues, Manchester United may soon be left wondering whether they made a mistake in allowing him to leave so easily.
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