What happened to Antony? From United squad dropout to Real Betis sensation

Antony Matheus dos Santos, commonly known as Antony, seems to have found light at the end of the his dark tunnel of abyssal performances in Manchester United. Antony since his loan move to Real Betis has experienced a remarkable resurgence in his football career, transitioning from a challenging period to a revitalized form in the Spanish La Liga. His journey highlights what resilience, determination and adaptability can do to a player desires to rediscover his best form and showcase his remarkable football talent.

Antony early career and rise at Ajax

To best understand the trajectory of Antony form, a look at his rise in football is crucial. His professional journey began at Sao Paulo FC, where his flair and technical ability quickly caught the attention of European scouts. In February 2020, Ajax got to sign him for an initial £13 million, effective from July 2020. His impact was immediate; he scored on his debut against Sparta Rotterdam and concluded the 2020–21 season with 11 goals and 10 assists across 46 appearances. His contributions were pivotal in Ajax’s domestic double, clinching both the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup.

The subsequent season saw Antony maintaining his form, notably aiding Ajax in becoming the first Dutch club to win all six Champions League group stage matches. He amassed 12 goals and 10 assists, reinforcing his status as a key player in the squad.

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Antony Challenges at Manchester United

Antony with his bright spark in Ajax chose to sign for United in August 2022 for €95 million, making him one of the club’s highest transfer fees as well as fans deepest regrets later on in time. Despite a promising start, including a debut goal against Arsenal, Antony struggled to maintain consistency in the Premier League. Over two seasons, he recorded 5 goals in 62 league appearances, facing criticism from football enthusiasts across the globe for his performances and adapting to the league’s physical demands.

To add to his professional woes in Old Trafford, Antony was found in murky waters again as controversies emerged allegedly accusing of sexual and physical assault. This put a strain in his relationship with fans and his commitment to the team’s efforts.

Antony revival at Real Betis

Just like many players who lost their form and position in the squad but eventually regained it, Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January 2025, seeking more minutes on the pitch and a fresh environment. His impact was swift and significant. In his debut on February 2, he provided an assist in a 2–2 draw against Athletic Bilbao, earning the Man of the Match award. He continued this momentum by scoring twice in a narrow 3–2 defeat to Celta Vigo and netting a remarkable goal in a 3–0 victory over Gent in the UEFA Conference League.

Antony’s resurgence has been instrumental in Betis’ impressive performances. Notably, he played a crucial role in a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid, a match that dented Madrid’s title aspirations. Fans and analysts praised his influence, attributing Betis’ success partly to his presence and performance.

Playing pattern

Antony is renowned for his agility, dribbling skills, and ability to challenge defenders in one-on-one situations. His left-footed playmaking from the right wing allows him to cut inside and create scoring opportunities, either by making curling efforts at goal or delivering key passes. At Betis, under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Antony has been granted the creative freedom to exploit his strengths, a factor that has been crucial in his resurgence.

Conclusion

Antony’s journey from Ajax to Manchester United and his subsequent revival at Real Betis is just one clear example of the unpredictable nature of a player’s career. His recent performances in La Liga not only highlight his inherent talent but also his resilience and ability to adapt. As the season progresses, Antony’s contributions could be central to Real Betis’ ambitions, and his future, whether back at Manchester United or elsewhere will have a whole new look with prospect and promises.