Spanish media make their feelings clear on Antony after first Real Betis goal since leaving Man Utd
Antony has scored his first goal for new club Real Betis following his loan move from Manchester United and Spanish media have made their feelings clear on the attacker following the strike.
The 24-year-old Brazilian has headed to the Seville club for the second half of the season away from Old Trafford after leaving in the January transfer window.
The switch has seen Antony head to the Estadio Benito Villamarin in a straight loan with no option to buy and with the Spanish side reportedly covering up to 84 per cent of the attacker's wages as a move to slim the wage bill at Ruben Amorim's side.
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Antony moved to United in the summer of 2022 after being purchased from Ajax by then boss Erik ten Hag for an initial reported £82m transfer fee.
But it is fair to say Antony's contributions to United in the past two-and-a-half seasons have not justified the fee which took him to Old Trafford and he has been labelled by many as one of the biggest transfer flops in Premier League history.
Antony has scored 12 goals in 96 United games since he joined the club, including once this current season, though he has been part of a United squad which have won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in that time.
Antony made his La Liga debut in the 2-2 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao, and has now scored his first goal for Betis in the 3-2 away loss to Celta Vigo.
The Brazilian netted the opening goal on nine minutes, a lead which was soon doubled by Diego Llorente as the visitors led 2-0 at the break.
But the hosts completed a comeback victory from two goals down in the second half thanks to efforts from Fran Beltran, Javi Rodriguez and Williot Swedberg.
Though he was on the losing side, Antony still came away from the game being on the scoresheet and he certainly has caught the eye of Spanish media after getting on the scoresheet.
A report from Eldes Marque written by journalist Basilio Garcia said: "The Brazilian striker, in a display of quality, has scored his first goal in LALIGA EA Sports, and although it is not his first match for the Betis, it serves as a calling card for his immense quality with the ball at his feet."
The player himself has not ruled out staying at Manuel Pellegrini's side beyond the summer, but will have to have talks with the Betis hierarchy to see if that materialises or not to extend his stay away from Old Trafford or make it permanent.
He said: "I had a difficult time in England. We have to respect the process. I am grateful to Manchester.
"If I have to stay longer or not, I will have to speak to the president. I am enjoying being able to play everything, with goals, with assists. For me now I have to enjoy every day, help the team, the manager."
John McDougall