Antony gives surprise reason behind his struggles at Manchester United | OneFootball

Manchester United loanee Antony has offered an unexpected reason for his struggles in England, as his renaissance at Real Betis continues.

Antony failed to live up to expectations at United, only managing a meagre 12 goals and five assists in the 96 appearances he made since his big-money move from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

He dropped down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag – the manager who sanctioned his signing – and also failed to break into Ruben Amorim’s plans.

However, he has found a new lease of life at Betis and appears to be enjoying his football once again. In the 11 games he’s played for Betis across La Liga and the Europa Conference League, Antony has contributed four goals and as many assists.

According to statisticians Squawka, the Brazilian has created more chances from open play (17) and more big chances (6) than any other player in Spain’s top flight since his Betis debut.

Ruben Amorim attributed Antony’s success at the Benito Villamarín Stadium to lower physicality levels in La Liga in comparison to the Premier League – comments that sparked a furious response from the player’s agent.

The 25-year-old has now had his say on why he flopped at United, partly blaming the Manchester weather.

He said [via 90min], “The city has also had a lot of influence, it is better [than Manchester] and good here.”

“I’m very happy here with that.”

He added, “And the sun here helps a lot. You’re awake every day at noon, listening to your body, I go to sleep smiling.”

“And that’s the most important thing for me.”

Betis are believed to be interested in making Antony’s stay permanent. The club’s CEO also revealed that the winger privately expressed a desire to continue under Manuel Pellegrini.

Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images

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