After two months under the guidance of Amorim, Manchester United is gradually finding its form, with a draw against Liverpool in the Premier League away game, an FA Cup victory over Arsenal with one less player on the road, and a comeback win against Southampton at home. With the winter transfer window now open, Manchester United manager Amorim has begun to make changes to the team's lineup.
On January 19th, Beijing time, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Manchester United is in discussions with Real Betis regarding a deal involving Antony. Romano stated that the transfer plan involves Antony joining Real Betis on loan until June, without a buyout clause. Manchester United will cover part of the player's salary, and Antony is open to the move to Real Betis, with the deal close to being finalized.
Antony's performance at Manchester United has been poor, and his salary is high. It is understandable that Manchester United would want to loan him out. Antony has not been able to secure consistent playing time at Manchester United and could benefit from a change of scenery at Real Betis.
Real Betis has a history of signing players who have been let go by top clubs, such as Isco from Real Madrid, Riqui Puig from Barcelona, Adrian from Liverpool, and Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur. During Antony's loan period, Manchester United will pay part of the player's salary, allowing Real Betis to test the 24-year-old former Brazilian international, who could provide additional options for their La Liga and Europa League campaigns.
Looking back, it seems that Manchester United's acquisition of Antony has indeed been a failed transfer. Before joining Manchester United, Antony was valued at 35 million euros while playing for Ajax. He was a player sought after by Ten Hag, but the transfer fee and salary negotiations were handled by Manchester United's management, who paid a hefty 95 million euros to secure Antony's services, with a weekly wage of 200,000 pounds. Initially, Antony brought hope to Manchester United, but as opponents became more familiar with him, he began to lose his way at the club.
Last season in the Premier League, Antony scored 1 goal and provided 1 assist in 29 appearances for Manchester United. This season, in 7 appearances, he has yet to score or assist. In the past one and a half seasons in the Premier League, Antony has only managed 1 goal and 1 assist in 36 appearances, which is simply unacceptable. Currently, Antony is working hard on the field, holding onto the ball and moving actively, but these are his few strengths. He lacks speed, physicality, and has a weak left foot, making it difficult for him to cope with the intensity of the Premier League and the pressure of playing for Manchester United.
Perhaps a change of environment, moving to Real Betis, could help Antony improve his performance. We look forward to seeing how he fares.