Monday, February 10, 2025

Spanish media react to Antony’s ‘electric’ Real Betis debut after Manchester United exit

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Manchester United said goodbye to Marcus Rashford on Sunday, just as Antony was making his first start for Real Betis.

The January transfer window has now entered its final hours and Manchester United will hope for an attacking signing.

Ruben Amorim’s United side drew another blank on Sunday, losing 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace.

United want Mathys Tel and the Bayern Munich forward is seemingly reciprocating that interest, but a late deal will be complicated.

Amorim has allowed two attackers to leave the club and missing out on a new addition would raise question marks.

Marcus Rashford has completed his move to Aston Villa whilst Antony joined Real Betis earlier in the window.

Antony Matheus dos Santos of Real Betis in action during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Betis and Athleti...
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images

Spanish press react to Antony’s Real Betis debut

Amorim was happy to let both Rashford and Antony go as he shapes the United squad, but fans will hope for an attacking arrival on deadline day.

United fans will have been reeling from Sunday’s defeat to Palace and may have missed Antony making his Betis debut.

The Brazilian started in a 2-2 draw with Athletic Club, managing 72 minutes in his first appearance for the Spanish side.

Antony didn’t bag a goal or assist but he did have a hand in the first Betis goal; his shot sharp low drive was saved but Isco tapped in the rebound.

Antony also set up a great chance for Johnny Cardoso to score and turned in an impressive performance on the whole.

Estadio Deportivo rated Antony at an 8 out of 10, suggesting that he enjoyed a ‘great introduction’ in a Betis shirt.

‘Great introduction. He caused Isco’s 1-0 with a previous shot and created another chance for Johnny Cardoso. He was substituted in the second half due to fatigue. He also helped in defence,’ they wrote.

El Desmarque mirrored that 8 out of 10 rating, hailing Antony as ‘electric’ out wide for Betis as he kept trying to dribble past defenders.

‘He lived up to the expectations he had generated. Electric, determined to find the one-on-one and very involved in the attacking game. Great play with a shot that led to Isco’s goal,’ they wrote.

El Mira went with a 7 out of 10 rating for Antony but praised him as a ‘whirlwind’ in the Betis attack, suggesting that he already looks like a ‘difference-making player’.

‘A whirlwind in the Real Betis attack. He looked like he wanted to redeem himself and left no one indifferent in Heliópolis. He is a difference-making player and shows it in every action. He ended up tired from the effort and was substituted with 20 minutes to go,’ they wrote.

Antony faces a big month for Betis

United fans may be surprised to hear such rave reviews about Antony’s Betis debut.

The Brazilian just hasn’t come anywhere close to justifying his huge price tag after signing from Ajax in 2022.

United agreed to pay £85million for Antony and that he is now out on loan at Betis speaks volumes.

Maybe this loan spell brings Antony back into the fold at United but the reality is that he is probably playing for a future elsewhere.

Antony has made a strong start at Betis but there is a busy month ahead.

Betis face Celta Vigo before playing two games against Gent in the Europa Conference League, either side of facing Real Sociedad.

Betis end February at Getafe before hosting Real Madrid to start March, so there are big games to come for Antony as he looks to build on a strong debut.

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