When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax in 2022, Old Trafford was buzzing with excitement. The Brazilian winger arrived with the promise of flair, pace, and creativity — a new attacking spark for the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era. Yet, what was meant to be a dream move quickly turned into a turbulent chapter filled with pressure, frustration, and disappointment.
A Price Tag That Became a Burden
Antony’s £86 million transfer fee made him one of the most expensive signings in Manchester United’s history. Expectations were sky-high, but consistency proved elusive. After flashes of brilliance in his early months, his performances gradually declined. Across 96 appearances, Antony managed only 12 goals and five assists — numbers far below what fans and pundits had hoped for.
Criticism soon followed. English media questioned his decision-making, while supporters grew impatient with his lack of end product. Instead of being seen as the dynamic winger who once dazzled at Ajax, Antony became a symbol of United’s failed transfer strategy during the Erik ten Hag era.
The Amorim Era: From Main Squad to the “Bomb Squad”
Things took an even darker turn in 2025 when Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s head coach. The Portuguese tactician wasted no time reshaping the squad, and Antony was among the casualties. He was dropped from first-team training, relegated to working out separately, and even placed in the so-called “bomb squad” — a group of players deemed surplus to requirements.
That experience, Antony later admitted, changed him completely. Isolated and stripped of confidence, he began questioning his future in football. Eventually, a lifeline arrived from Spain. In the summer of 2025, Real Betis completed a £21.6 million transfer for the winger — a fresh start in a more forgiving environment.
“I Almost Quit Football”
In a candid interview with TNT Sports Brazil in May 2025, Antony opened up about his emotional struggles during his final months at Old Trafford. The Brazilian confessed that the situation under Amorim pushed him to the edge.
“I went through a very difficult time at Manchester United,” Antony said. “There was a point when I didn’t feel the joy of playing football anymore. I even told my brother I couldn’t take it any longer.”
Those words revealed just how deep the emotional toll had become. Antony described feeling alone, unsupported, and cut off from the camaraderie that once fueled his passion for the game.
But his move to Real Betis reignited that spark. In Spain, he rediscovered his rhythm, playing freely again and helping the club reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final — a turnaround that symbolized his personal and professional revival.
Antony on His Relationship with Ruben Amorim
In another interview with AS, Antony finally broke his silence about his relationship with Ruben Amorim. The winger admitted that he and the Portuguese manager never truly connected.
“I didn’t talk much with Ruben Amorim; there wasn’t a lot of contact,” Antony revealed. “His decision to make me train separately was final, and I had to respect that.”
Despite feeling sidelined, Antony maintained his professionalism. He continued training hard even when he knew his chances were slim.
“I stayed disciplined and kept working,” he continued. “After three months, I finally played a full 90 minutes — and that was the result of all the effort I put in while being separated from the main squad.”
A New Chapter in Spain
Now 25 years old, Antony is thriving again in La Liga. His performances with Real Betis have reminded many of the electrifying talent who once lit up the Eredivisie with Ajax. He has regained his confidence, adapted to a new system, and earned praise for his renewed discipline and attitude.
While Antony no longer wishes to dwell on the past, he admits that his experiences in Manchester have taught him valuable lessons about resilience and self-belief.
“Sometimes, you need to fall to rise again,” Antony concluded. “My time at Manchester United wasn’t easy, but it made me stronger. Now I’m focused on becoming the best version of myself — for Betis, for my fans, and for Brazil.”
From Old Trafford Shadows to Spanish Sunshine
Antony’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that not every big-money move guarantees happiness. Some players find their true potential only after leaving the intense spotlight of a giant club. For Antony, escaping the pressure cooker of Old Trafford and rediscovering joy in Seville may be the rebirth his career desperately needed.
ALSO READ :
