Antony Set to Make a Statement for Manchester United in Conference League Final

It appears that Manchester United is ready to offload all of their underperforming players this summer following what Ruben Amorim has aptly described as a “disastrous season.”

While he predicted a turbulent period shortly after his appointment at Old Trafford, even he might not have foreseen the extent of his first-team squad’s struggles, particularly in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim’s Dominance at Manchester United

The United board once again finds itself at a significant crossroads regarding the future of their manager. However, it’s worth noting that Amorim has consistently accepted responsibility and worked diligently, aligning with the approach he communicated to the club.

Although it hasn’t been expressed outright, the current situation is a power struggle: support me or dismiss me, and the club is well aware that choosing the latter would leave them starting afresh.

Undeniably, the current situation cannot persist, but it would be fair to grant Amorim another 6-12 months to effect some changes.

Nonetheless, his choices to allow Marcus Rashford and Antony to depart have resulted in significant setbacks (not to mention the club’s decision earlier in the season to let Scott McTominay join Napoli).

Antony Flourishing at Real Betis

While Rashford won’t be securing a permanent transfer to Aston Villa after they failed to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the 2024/25 season, he will not be returning to United. Instead, he is likely to become a steal for another interested club.

Antony, on the other hand, has thrived since joining Real Betis.

During his 14 appearances for the Red Devils this season, he netted just one goal without providing any assists. In contrast, since joining the Verdiblancos, he’s made 25 appearances, scored nine goals, and added four assists—a remarkable turnaround.

One could argue that he has been pivotal in Real Betis qualifying for the UEFA Conference League final against Chelsea, and his resurgence in the latter half of the 24/25 season must feel like a far cry from his struggles at United.

Challenging Times at Old Trafford

“Joining Betis has transformed me profoundly as I needed to rediscover myself after everything I encountered personally,” confessed Antony in an interview with Brazilian media.

“I wasn’t content and had lost the passion for playing football; I needed to find joy in the game again because it has always been my love.”

“I experienced tough times at Manchester United where I no longer found happiness. I even told my brother that I couldn’t continue.”

Now a fan favourite at Betis, it’s no surprise that the club is keen to secure his services permanently this summer. However, they might face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid and other interested parties.

Clearly, Antony is yet another player who rediscovered his best form away from the Theatre of Dreams, raising the question of what it is about United that dampens players’ spirits.

Brazillian Call-Up

Carlo Ancelotti has included Antony in his latest squad for Brazil, which suggests that perhaps Amorim’s evaluation of players is somewhat flawed.

If Antony and his Betis teammates can overcome Chelsea in the Conference League final, they will secure qualification for the Europa League. Regardless of the final result, their sixth-place finish in La Liga guarantees them a spot in next season’s competition.

If Real Betis aspires to enhance both their standing in the league and their performance on the European stage, they must retain Antony’s services.

Manchester United Set for Another Embarrassment

Since joining the Spanish club, Antony has recorded an impressive shooting accuracy rate of 80%, a pass completion rate of 85.3% (just shy of his best at United), and has regained possession 108 times—far exceeding the 31 occasions at United. Additionally, 17 of his 22 interceptions in the 24/25 season occurred while with Betis.

Notably, 36 of the 46 tackles he attempted this season have been registered during his time at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, showcasing his renewed work ethic compared to his time at Old Trafford.

This renewed dedication again raises questions about his prior lack of effort, suggesting that players need confidence and a sense of worth to thrive. When clubs treat players as second-rate, what do they expect when those players don’t perform?

Just as Rashford is thriving at Villa and McTominay has mastered Serie A, should Antony Matheus dos Santos dazzle against Chelsea on Wednesday night, Manchester United’s fans will undoubtedly feel a sense of injustice, leaving both the manager and the board with yet more egg on their faces.