REVEALED: Antony Admits Dropping This One Habit at Real Betis—and It’s Why He’s Thriving After Failing at Manchester United.

Manchester United fans have been left stunned as Brazilian winger Antony finally breaks his silence on the struggles that plagued his time at Old Trafford. The former Ajax star, who arrived at United in a staggering £85 million deal, failed to live up to expectations under Erik ten Hag. But since joining Real Betis on loan in January, Antony has looked like a player reborn—racking up goals, assists, and dazzling performances that have made fans question why it never worked out for him in the Premier League.
Now, in a candid revelation, Antony has admitted that a key change in his approach at Betis has been crucial to his resurgence. So, what did he stop doing in Spain that was holding him back in England?

Antony’s Honest Admission

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Antony admitted that his overreliance on one-dimensional play—especially his trademark left-footed cut-ins—had been a major reason for his struggles at United.
I was too predictable at Manchester United,” Antony confessed. “I kept trying the same moves, and defenders in the Premier League quickly figured me out. I wasn’t adapting, and that made me easy to stop. Here at Betis, the coaches told me to stop being so rigid. They encouraged me to trust my instincts and play with more freedom.”

Under Manuel Pellegrini at Betis, Antony has been deployed in a more fluid attacking system, where he is encouraged to mix up his approach—dribbling inside, going wide, and even switching flanks mid-game. The result? A revitalized version of the player United fans thought they were signing back in 2022.
Why Didn’t It Work at Manchester United?

Many have speculated that Antony’s struggles at Old Trafford were a combination of tactical rigidity, mental pressure, and lack of confidence. At United, he was often criticized for cutting inside too predictably, refusing to use his right foot, and slowing down attacks.

In contrast, Betis have allowed him to break free from those habits. The Brazilian star has already scored more goals in La Liga in just a few games than he managed in an entire season at United.
I feel lighter here,” Antony continued. “At United, I felt like I had to prove myself every single game, and that pressure affected my decisions. Here, I’m just playing football again, and you can see the difference.”

A Future at Manchester United?

With his loan spell at Betis proving to be a success, questions are now being asked: does Antony have a future at Manchester United? Or is this the beginning of the end for him at Old Trafford?

United fans have been divided. Some believe he deserves another chance if he can carry this form into next season, while others feel his struggles in England were too damaging to warrant a second chance.

For now, though, Antony’s focus remains on Betis. And if his recent performances are anything to go by, United may soon find themselves regretting letting him go so easily.
Antony, the Brazilian winger, has recently opened up about the challenges he faced during his tenure at Manchester United and the factors contributing to his revitalized form at Real Betis. After joining United from Ajax in 2022 for a substantial £85 million fee, Antony struggled to meet expectations, often criticized for his predictable playstyle and overreliance on cutting inside with his left foot.

In a candid interview with Globo Esporte, Antony acknowledged that his predictability made it easier for Premier League defenders to neutralize his impact. He admitted that his lack of adaptability and rigid approach limited his effectiveness on the field. This self-awareness led him to embrace a more versatile and instinctive style of play upon his loan move to Real Betis in January 2025.

Under the guidance of manager Manuel Pellegrini, Antony has been encouraged to diversify his attacking strategies, including varying his dribbling patterns, utilizing both flanks, and making more spontaneous decisions during matches. This shift has resulted in a remarkable upturn in his performances. In just four appearances for Betis, Antony has matched his previous season’s goal tally at Manchester United, netting three goals and providing one assist. His contributions have been pivotal in Betis’ recent successes, including a standout performance in a 3-0 victory over Gent in the Conference League.

Antony attributes his resurgence not only to tactical adjustments but also to a renewed sense of joy and freedom on the pitch. He expressed that the welcoming environment at Betis, reminiscent of his home country, has played a significant role in restoring his confidence and passion for the game. The support from experienced teammates, such as Isco and Giovani Lo Celso, has further bolstered his morale and on-field performance.

Reflecting on his time at Manchester United, Antony remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences, including winning two titles. However, he acknowledges that the pressure