- Antony continued his fine start to life in a Real Betis shirt by netting on Thursday
- The Brazilian scored with a fine effort to give his new team the lead against Gent
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Antony continued his fine start to life in a Real Betis shirt by netting for the Spanish side in their Europa Conference League tie at Gent on Thursday night.
The Brazilian scored with a fine effort to give his new team the lead early on in the second half of the encounter.
After picking up the ball just outside the 18-yard-box on the right-hand side of the pitch, the 24-year-old evaded two defenders and curled a left-footed shot into the bottom left of the net.
It means the winger has now registered two goals and an assist in his first three appearances for Los Verdiblancos.
Reacting to the goal on X, formerly Twitter, Manchester United fans joked about he had seldom produced this form throughout his time at Old Trafford.
One user quipped: ‘You can’t help but laugh. This is Antony. Are we the problem?’
Antony continued his fine start to life in a Real Betis shirt by netting for the Spanish side in their Europa Conference League tie at Gent on Thursday night
Following Antony’s early second-half strike, Betis were able to cruise to victory thanks to goals from Cedric Bakambu and Sergi Altimira
A second added: ‘Antony scored again tonight. See what can happen when a player gets away from our reactive toxic fanbase’.
However, a third thought differently, stating: ‘Antony suddenly being in form at his new club isn’t a coincidence.
‘Some players don’t have the mentality to perform at United and he’s one of them. He had the chance to be good at Man Utd and he’s wasn’t, he’s found his level.’
Another wrote: ‘Antony turning prime Ronaldinho since joining Real Betis from Man United on loan.’
Following Antony’s early second-half strike, Betis were able to cruise to victory thanks to goals from Cedric Bakambu and Sergi Altimira.
That saw them run out as comfortable 3-0 winners, a scoreline which should grant them a safe passage into the competition’s round of 16.
The second leg of the tie takes place at the Benito Villamarin next Thursday.
Prior to that, Betis are next in action in LaLiga on Saturday, when they host Real Sociedad.
Reacting to the goal on X, formerly Twitter , Manchester United fans joked about he had seldom produced this form throughout his time at Old Trafford
Antony’s latest goal comes after Betis’ CEO expressed interest in making his transfer permanent in the summer.
Speaking to Cadena Ser’s Radio Sevilla, Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon said that Antony could be a part of his team’s squad beyond the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
‘I think so,’ he said when asked about the possibility of the transfer being made permanent in the summer.
Alarcon added: ‘The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them all the moves and details of the player throughout the week so that they can see that we are looking after their asset.
‘There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player. It is a possibility that he will continue next season, why not?’
Antony’s loan deal does not contain a clause with an obligation to buy, which means that Betis must negotiate a transfer fee with United should they want Antony on a permanent basis.
Although United did part with a hefty sum to sign him, a permanent move away could suit the club as they look to recoup some of their initial outlay.
