Manchester United’s January transfer business left Ruben Amorim with less attacking options than he had previously with his team desperately struggling for goals and creativity.
Brazilian winger Antony was one first team player who left the club in the winter, securing a loan move to La Liga side Real Betis until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has adapted well to life in Spain, scoring three goals and making an instant impact for Manuel Pellegrini.
As relayed by MSN News, Antony’s performances have left an impression on his teammates with Spanish star Isco reserving words of praise for the United man.
Speaking after Betis’ 2-1 win against Getafe this weekend in which Antony provided a fine assist for Isco for the first of his two goals on the day, the former Real Madrid man is clearly delighted with his new colleague.
“It’s very easy to play with him. He’s got a brutal talent.
“You have to put your talent at the service of the team. Let’s see if we can take that step forward to reach Europe,” the five-time Champions League winner said.
Antony was incidentally sent off in stoppage time in the same game but Betis are expected to challenge the decision in order for him to be available to play against Real Madrid in their next fixture.
Betis are hoping to play in Europe next season but it looks likely to be in the Conference League given the nine point gap to Villarreal in fifth and 13 points to the top four.
Antony’s form is another example of players finding their feet since leaving Old Trafford in what has become a worrying trend in recent years.
It’s expected that Antony’s form will eventually drive his transfer fee up, rather than help him secure a return to the first team fold at United given his inconsistencies since joining the club.
The winger hasn’t lived up to the billing after his mega-money move from Ajax and it’s clear he isn’t up to the task of holding down a spot in the first team at the Theatre of Dreams.
United are thin on attacking numbers but Amorim will be hoping that will change in the summer and whatever funds INEOS can recover from Antony’s sale will go directly into the transfer kitty.
Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
