"What a signing", "has changed the club" - 9/10 star who left Man Utd on loan hailed by media after European progress
Antony’s career has been re-invigorated since leaving Manchester United on loan in January.
Manchester United winger Antony continued his strong form since leaving Old Trafford on loan in January with a goal and an assist as Real Betis won 4-0 at Vitória Guimarães SC to win 6-2 on aggregate in their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie.
He now has four goals and four assists in 10 games since joining the Spanish side on a six-month loan from United back in January. Betis will play Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the last eight of the Conference League.
After his latest performance for Betis, Antony was the subject of some major praise from the local Spanish media. He earned two 9/10 match ratings along with an 8/10 rating. He was also credited for helping turn the fortunes of the club as they seek to make further progress in Europea and move up the La Liga table.
Spanish media react to Antony’s latest performance for Betis
There was plenty of praise from media circles in Sevilla as Antony continues to impress for Betis. Betis Web gave him a 9/10 rating and said: “Although he didn't have a great first half, he was involved in both of Bakambu's goals. But in the second half, with more space, he finally destroyed Vitória with a goal and an assist. Betis, it's clear, has changed since the Brazilian arrived.”
Estadio Deportivio wrote 8/10 rating: “He ate quietly and took dessert home. Almost without meaning to, he was decisive. He allowed himself to go unnoticed in attack until he made a legendary run to seal the match, scoring the third goal of the match. He also provided a brilliant assist for Bakambu for the first goal.”
El Desmarqure also gave Antony a 9/10: “Two assists and a goal. No need to say much more. What a signing.”
Will Antony return to United?
Betis do not have an option to make Antony’s move permanent come the end of the season. They currently pay 84 per cent of his wages. As previously reported by Manchester World, selling Antony is their goal during the summer and the club are not reconsidering his position following his recent form since joining Betis. With amortisation factored in, United only need to sell the Brazilian for around £32.5 in the summer to avoid a loss when accounting with the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.
Antony joined United for £86m from Ajax but his time at Old Trafford was a largely disappointing one as he failed to live up to his price-tag. Betis club president Ramón Alarcón said last month he was open to keeping Antony permanently. He said: "The director of United called me recently, and we sent them all the clips and statistics from his entire week so they can see that we are taking good care of their player. We have a good relationship with Manchester United and with the player. It’s possible that he could stay next season as well why not?"