I went to Spain to watch Antony, this is how Man Utd can capitalise on transfer (2025)

It's clear to see that Antony is loving life at Real Betis. The Manchester United forward, who joined the Spanish outfit on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window, impressed once again as he helped his side beat Girona 3-1 on Monday.

Antony scored his team's second at Estadi Montivili - his ninth goal contribution in 17 appearances since his winter move to Betis - and I was there to watch him in action.

Having gone six matches without finding the net before their trip to Girona, there was some fear among the travelling Betis supporters that Antony's form has dried up.

However, Antony's performance against Girona showed anything but that. He was fantastic and even the home fans were in awe of the talent that was on show, despite his struggles at United.

Every time Antony did something of note, including a perfect first touch, neat piece of skill or successful pass, supporters inside the stadium were taken aback at the level he has producing.

After winning the ball back within the first minute, Antony's confidence was brimming. The 25-year-old tried to take on Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez at every chance and gave him a tough night.

In the 16th minute, Antony displayed what he is all about. He spun past former United defender Daley Blind like he wasn't there before playing the ball inside to Isco, who fired a shot over the bar.

Shortly after, Antony then produced a sublime a 40-yard lofted pass up to Cucho Hernandez. It was a forward ball that United fans are used to seeing Bruno Fernandes play, not Antony.

There was an inner sense of belief Antony was showing and that was evident in the goal he scored. After Jonny Cardoso put Betis ahead, Antony doubled his team's advantage in the 39th minute.

Romain Perraud's cross found him in space at the back post and he hit the ball first time with his weaker right foot into the bottom corner, giving Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga no chance.

That was the fifth goal that Antony has scored since his move to Betis in January. In comparison, he found the net only once in 14 matches for United during the first half of the season.

Antony could have scored another in the second half. He got on the end of Pablo Fornals' pass and ran through on goal with just Gazzaniga to beat, but his effort was saved by the 'keeper

Having helped put Betis 3-0 in front - with Isco scoring the other - Antony was substituted in the 78th minute to a standing ovation from the away supporters.

Girona pulled a goal back late on through Cristhian Stuani but it didn't matter to the end result as Betis secured a vital three points in their quest of Champions League footbal.

Alongside ex-Real Madrid midfielder Isco, Antony was the best player on the pitch and Betis want to keep him beyond the end of his loan spell, there is no doubt about that.

Manuel Pellegrini is keen to retain Antony's services for next season, while there is talk that United are preparing to sell him to help raise funds for a summer move for Matheus Cunha.

But United could be making a mistake selling Antony. Like Marcus Rashford, it does feel as though the former Ajax man needed to leave United for his own sake and to rebuild his career.

He was not performing under Erik ten Hag and at the start of Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford and he needed to regain his confidence. Now it appears that Antony has got his mojo back, there is no reason why he can't return to United in the summer and produce a similar level of form.

United have struggled for end product in attacking areas this season and Antony has showed during his time at Betis that he has got a goal and an assist in his locker. He should be offered another chance to see if he can produce for Amorim at least in pre-season, if not at the start of next season.

If Antony can replicate his form for Betis at United there is no doubt he would improve Amorim's side. He would add an extra ounce of quality to the club's attack and improve them. Selling him could be an error and United need to think hard before pressing ahead with a potential sale.

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.