Revealed: Why Real Betis' Antony never won over his Man Utd team-mates as concerns raised over treatment of Carrington staff

In 96 appearances for United, Antony scored just 12 goals and added five assists. Compare that to his numbers at Betis, nine goals and five assists in 28 games, and you get a very different picture. According to The Sun, it is said that Brighton valued the then-Ajax man at £25m ($34m) and the Red Devils were 'sceptical' about the Dutch team's £60m ($81m) asking price. But convincing losses to Brighton and Brentford sent the club into 'panic mode' and the rest is history.

The report adds that Antony never really won over his fellow United players and many questioned his ability and how he treated canteen staff at the club's training ground. Most of his 'allies' were said to be among the Latin contingent in the dressing room. 

Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini has explained how he got the best out of Antony. 

"Our style is more creative and Antony is a creative player, so he feels important. That changes your mindset as a player," he said.

Team-mate Giovani Lo Celso added: "It’s not been an easy summer for him as we  know how English clubs behave in these situations. They won’t let you train, things get difficult. But every time he touches the ball there’s this feeling of danger, so it’s great. It’s very contagious as well. I’m glad he’s back."

Antony, who helped Betis reach last season's Conference League final before losing to Chelsea, is likely to feature for the Spanish team when they take on Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest in the Europa League on Wednesday night.