- Brazilian winger struggled at Old Trafford
- Made an impressive impact in Spain
- Opponents aware of what he is capable of
GettyMan Utd flop Antony told why ‘it’s not going to be easy’ to continue his red-hot start at Real Betis despite being ‘perfect’ for La Liga as club’s ex-boss weighs in on £85m winger

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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Having cost the Red Devils around £85 million ($107m) in the summer of 2022, the Premier League giants sanctioned a switch to Spain during the winter window of 2025. They had seen Antony register just four goals across his last 18 months in England.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Brazil international already has three efforts for Betis to his name. The 24-year-old winger has quite literally hit the ground running in new surroundings, with belief being restored in a quick-footed playing style that leans heavily on confidence.
WHAT GUS POYET SAID
Asked for his take on Antony’s situation, former Betis boss Gus Poyet – speaking in association with makthavare.se – told GOAL: “I think that shows that just because you are a good player doesn’t mean you can play anywhere in the world. Every league is different, every team plays a different way. Sometimes things need to work your way.
“It looks to me like the qualities of Antony, they are perfect for Spanish football. It was important for him to start well because it’s a difficult place, Betis. So far, so good. Much better than his first impression at Manchester United.”
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Quizzed on whether Antony is still capable of justifying the faith and funds that United have invested in him, Poyet added: “When it came to Manchester United, from outside, it was more because the coach [Erik ten Hag] knew him very well. The rest of us, even those watching Dutch football and international football, didn’t know if he was the type of player to go to Manchester United. It was like, why not?
“Now, after Man United, he has found a place where he looks happy. It didn’t work very well for him last year, so let’s hope that he keeps playing well for Betis.”
GettyTELL ME MORE
While Antony has enjoyed a welcome return to form, with the South American no longer a small fish in a big pond, Poyet went on to say of the challenges that he still faces: “That’s a situation with the personality of the player. When we watch football, we see a player on TV or in the stadium and we see only the professional player there, how he performs. Behind that is a person with a personality.
“Some people prefer not to be the star, to be there and do a job. Others need to be the main guys in order to perform. We are all different. Now, especially in Spain, they are going to pay more attention to him. It’s not going to be easy for him now everyone knows what he can do.”
WHAT NEXT?
United are having to watch Antony deliver end product in Spain while they are crying out for similar qualities in the Premier League. It may be that the Brazilian is absorbed back into Ruben Amorim’s squad at the end of the current campaign.
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