'Does not reflect reality!' - Antony's agent fires back at Ruben Amorim's claims £85m winger failed at Man Utd due to lack of 'physicality'

United loaned Antony to Real Betis in January after he fell out of favour under Amorim and he has registered three goals and two assists in seven appearances for the Spanish club. Amorim has since suggested the physical level needed to compete in Spain and England is very different, telling TNT Sports: "When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don't have physicality, you will struggle a lot." However, Antony's agent believes that argument is "superficial".

Antony's agent, Junior Pedroso, retorted to Marca via Fabrizio Romano: "We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim but we completely disagree with his analysis. To attribute Antony's lack of success at United solely to physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality."

Antony never impressed at Old Trafford after becoming United's second-biggest transfer of all time when he joined from Ajax for £85m in 2022. He scored just 12 goals in 96 appearances but has got off to a much better start in Spain.

Antony is set to return to action on Thursday evening when Real Betis take on Vitoria S.C. in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last 16 tie. Manuel Pellegrini's side will then host Las Palmas in La Liga on Sunday.