In a striking return to form, Manchester United's young Brazilian winger, Antony, currently on loan to Real Betis, finally found the back of the net in a La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo. His goal in the tenth minute of play marked a significant milestone, as it was his first league goal in 287 days. The excitement was palpable when Antony executed a calm, composed finish inside the box, bringing joy to the Betis fans and relief to himself.
Despite this promising start, Real Betis struggled to hold their lead. Even with a second goal tucked away by defender Diego Llorente, the team succumbed to a second-half resurgence by Celta Vigo, eventually losing the match 3-2. This loss was yet another frustration for Betis, as it marked their fifth game without a win in the last six encounters, trailing at the tenth position in the La Liga standings.
Antony's journey with Betis is more than just about scoring goals. The winger, who set back Manchester United a staggering £86 million in 2022, had been battling to justify the hefty price tag at Old Trafford where he managed just 12 goals across 95 appearances. His move to Betis, laden with a 'penalty clause' obligating him to make a certain number of appearances, sees the Spanish club contributing to 84% of his £200,000 weekly salary.
There remains hope and trust in his potential. Real Betis coach, Manuel Pellegrini, expressed optimism about Antony’s progress, acknowledging the player's renewed confidence and growing maturity. Pellegrini's supportive guidance seems to be rubbing off, as Antony secured Man of the Match honors for a second consecutive game despite the team's unfortunate defeat.
After the match, Antony was vocal about the need for a changed mindset, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus for the full 90 minutes to prevent lapses in concentration. His candid admission shows a level of insight crucial for his development and future contributions on the pitch. The loan is a strategic move aimed at reviving his career ahead of a stalwart return to Manchester United, where he remains contracted until 2027, with an optional extension to 2028.
Michael Klamm
February 9, 2025 AT 14:49antony finally scored 😭 i was starting to think he forgot how to kick the ball. still lost tho... smh
Shirley Kaufman
February 9, 2025 AT 19:18this is HUGE for him. 287 days without a goal and he comes out with composure, poise, and confidence. he’s learning. keep going, antony. you’re not alone in this journey 💪❤️
christian lassen
February 10, 2025 AT 12:25betis really shoulda held on. llorente’s goal was fire but then they just… stopped playing? idk man. antony was decent tho
Jack Fiore
February 11, 2025 AT 11:07The underlying issue here isn't Antony’s performance-it’s the structural imbalance in La Liga’s defensive schemes against wide attackers with low conversion rates. His xG over the last 12 games is above league average, yet the team lacks midfield control to sustain pressure. Also, Pellegrini’s 4-2-3-1 formation doesn’t account for fullback overlaps, which is why the defense collapses after the 65th minute.
Antony Delagarza
February 11, 2025 AT 23:34this was all planned. man united knew he’d flop so they sent him to betis to bury his value. 86m for a guy who can’t score? the whole transfer was a money laundering scheme. look at the ‘penalty clause’-that’s just a loophole to make him look like a failure. they’re waiting for him to break so they can write him off. #deepfakefootball
Murray Hill
February 12, 2025 AT 22:15you know, in canada we don’t put so much pressure on young players. it’s just a game. he’s trying. he’s learning. the goal mattered. the loss? that’s part of it too. sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. what matters is he showed up.
Bruce Wallwin
February 13, 2025 AT 01:55Overpaid. Underperforming. Overhyped.
Letetia Mullenix
February 13, 2025 AT 05:05i’m just glad he’s smiling again. you can see it in his eyes. he’s not broken. he’s just… finding his way. that’s all anyone can ask for.
Morgan Skinner
February 13, 2025 AT 18:16Let’s not forget: this kid came from a small town in Brazil with nothing but a dream and a pair of cleats. He’s not just a £86M project-he’s a human being learning to thrive under impossible expectations. The goal wasn’t just a goal. It was a declaration: ‘I’m still here.’ And that’s worth more than any stat.
Rachel Marr
February 14, 2025 AT 09:59You're doing better than you think. One goal after 287 days? That’s resilience. You’re not falling behind-you’re recharging. Keep trusting the process. The team will turn. And you? You’re going to be the spark. I believe in you.
Kasey Lexenstar
February 14, 2025 AT 18:32Of course he scored. It’s the *exact* moment Betis needed to lose. Classic. Now the narrative shifts from ‘failed transfer’ to ‘redemption arc.’ How convenient. The media eats this up. Meanwhile, the 84% salary clause? That’s not a loan-it’s a hostage situation.
Michael Klamm
February 14, 2025 AT 23:08bro u just said what i was thinking but way too serious 😂