Antony’s agent has hinted that the winger’s future at Manchester United remains undecided, despite his successful start at Real Betis following a January loan move.
The Brazilian forward, who joined United for £82 million, has struggled to justify his hefty price tag over two-and-a-half underwhelming seasons.
Seeking a fresh start, he opted for a temporary switch to La Liga, where he has quickly rediscovered his form, scoring in consecutive matches.
While many have written off Antony’s chances of reviving his career at Old Trafford, his agent, Junior Pedroso, insists the door is still open.
“Saudi Arabian and Premier League clubs wanted him, but Real Betis was the best option. He’s happy there,” Pedroso told Fabrizio Romano.
“There’s no buy option in his loan, and he has great respect for Ruben Amorim. His future at Manchester United remains an open story.”
United manager Amorim acknowledged Antony’s recent improvement and suggested that playing in a lower-pressure environment has helped him thrive.
“This club has a lot of pressure,” Amorim said ahead of United’s clash with Tottenham. “When you don’t have a strong foundation in place, younger players struggle to cope.
If the team was winning consistently, it would be easier for them to play with freedom.”
Amorim added that players often perform better when they are not burdened by the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for a club of United’s stature.
“When you reach this level, you must handle the pressure,” he continued. “Some players, when they move to another club, feel freer and perform better.”
As Antony continues to impress in Spain, the big question remains will he return to Manchester United and prove his critics wrong, or will he seek a permanent exit in the summer?