Brazilian winger Antony has finally opened up about the emotional moments before he made the decision to leave Manchester United and join Real Betis on a permanent deal.
In an exclusive interview with the Spanish outlet AS, Antony shared that his fellow Brazilian and close friend Matheus Cunha had personally tried to persuade him to remain at Old Trafford — but the situation, he admitted, had already gone too far.
A Costly Signing That Never Fully Shined
Antony joined Manchester United in 2022 for a massive transfer fee of £85 million, becoming one of the marquee signings of then-manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman saw Antony as a crucial part of his tactical setup after their successful stint together at Ajax.
However, the Brazilian’s form was inconsistent. Despite flashes of brilliance, Antony struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. His goal contributions declined, and the pressure from fans and media continued to mount with every passing month.
Life After Ten Hag: A Tactical Misfit
Things worsened when Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, and Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford. The Portuguese coach brought a new system — one that relied more on flexible attackers and wing-backs than on traditional wingers like Antony.
That shift left Antony without a clear role.
“Matheus Cunha wanted me to stay at the club with him, but at that point, things were already too complicated,” Antony explained.
“I truly appreciated his words and support, but deep down, I had already made my decision.”
The Turning Point: A New Chapter with Real Betis
In January 2025, Antony was loaned to Real Betis, a move that many viewed as a chance for him to rebuild his confidence and rediscover his rhythm.
That loan spell turned out to be the spark his career desperately needed. Antony quickly adapted to life in Spain, scoring nine goals and providing five assists across all competitions. His direct style and renewed energy helped Betis reach the UEFA Conference League final, their best European run in years.
Impressed by his impact both on and off the pitch, the Betis management made their move to sign him permanently in the summer. After lengthy negotiations with Manchester United, the deal was finalized — marking a fresh start for the 25-year-old winger.
Frozen Out at Carrington Before Exit
Antony also revealed that during the tense months leading up to his departure, he had been excluded from the first-team setup at Manchester United.
“I was training alone at Carrington for several weeks. I barely spoke with Amorim — the decision had been made, and all I could do was respect it,” he recalled.
Yet, despite the isolation, Antony never lost focus. “I kept working hard every single day. Even when it felt like the door had closed, I believed my chance would come again. After three months, I was finally able to play 90 minutes again — and that came from my determination,” he said.
Rediscovering Joy in Spain
Now, back in La Liga with Real Betis, Antony seems rejuvenated. In his first match since making the move permanent, he scored one goal and provided an assist in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League.
For Antony, this new beginning represents more than just a change of scenery — it’s an opportunity to rewrite his story.
“I feel happy again,” he concluded. “In Seville, I’ve found a team that believes in me, fans who support me, and a style of football that brings out my best. Sometimes, leaving is the only way to truly grow.”
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