Anthony from Manchester United flopped to star at Real Betis

Few players in European football have faced as much negative criticism over the past two and a half years as Antonio. 

The striker, whom Manchester United signed from Ajax for €95 million in the summer of 2022, has been unofficially labeled the “biggest failure” in Premier League transfer history. 

Loaned to Betis in January, Antonio’s struggles have sparked debate among football fans: is the problem primarily with him, or with Manchester United?

The temperamental winger appears to have found his rhythm under Manuel Pellegrini’s management. 

Pellegrini, a Chilean manager renowned for emphasizing technical skills and the importance of fitting players into his system, seems to have unlocked Antonio’s potential. 

Meanwhile, something is clearly amiss at Old Trafford—a fact even casual football observers can see. Manchester United, as a club, has veered off course and struggles to regain its footing.

As the saying goes, every turn feels wrong once you’ve taken the wrong path.

From transfer policy to the overall atmosphere, everything at Manchester United seems to have spiraled downward. 

While the Red Devils grapple with their woes, their outcast, Antonio, is thriving in Seville, breathing new life into Betis.

The Brazilian, who arrived from the cold and rainy climes of England, has been rejuvenated under the warm Andalusian sun.

Antonio, the boy from the Inferninho favela in Sao Paulo, has rediscovered his form in Seville.

He looks relaxed, confident, and alive—as if a weight has been lifted. 

It’s as though he felt imprisoned at Old Trafford, but now, his body remembers how to play football. And play he has.

In his short time at Betis, Antonio has already made a significant impact.

He scored against Celta, Gent, and Real Sociedad, helping secure crucial victories for his new team. 

His performances earned him the Man of the Match award in La Liga three times in a row, and his resurgence has positioned Betis as one of the top three favorites to win the Europa Conference League.

In just eleven games, Antonio has demonstrated what Manchester United fans rarely saw during his two and a half years at Old Trafford: his undeniable talent. 

With four goals and four assists, he has silenced critics who labeled him one of the biggest flops in United’s history, especially considering his €95 million price tag.

While Erik ten Hag tolerated Antonio—partly because he had pushed for his signing—Ruben Amorim, Betis’ manager, quickly recognized the player’s potential. 

Amorim recently shared his thoughts on why Antonio struggled in the Premier League, attributing it to the Brazilian’s physical limitations in keeping up with the league’s demands.

For Antonio, Andalusia feels like home. 

He emphasizes how the sunny weather has lifted his spirits, a stark contrast to the gloomy skies of Manchester. 

Interestingly, his story mirrors those of Antonio Elanga and Scott McTominay, who have also flourished after leaving United—Elanga at Napoli and McTominay at Nottingham Forest.

Read More At Premier League and La Liga.