Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has said he is confused over Antony’s struggles since his big-money move to Manchester United.
The Brazil international signed for the Red Devils from Ajax for £85 million three years ago, but he has registered just 12 goals and five assists in 94 appearances.
Antony was permitted to join Betis on loan last month, and he has been a revelation. He recently scored with a brilliant volley against Real Sociedad and is a firm favourite with Betis fans.
Pellegrini said in a press conference (via Estadio Deportivo): “The most important thing has been his attitude and his self-criticism.
“If they paid that much money for him, it is because he is a player of a great level, who for reasons unknown to me was not able to perform as expected at Manchester United.
“It is a revenge on himself to show that he is a much more mature player. I have spoken a lot with him to make him calm, without wanting to show great things, but to keep it simple.
“He is a great player who does important things for the team, and I hope he continues at that level until the end of the season because he will help us a lot.”
Antony’s agent has refused to rule out the Brazilian continuing with United, but manager Ruben Amorim appears to have identified a suitable replacement.
The Red Devils are trying to negotiate a pre-agreed deal for Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda. His arrival could pave the way for Antony’s summer exit.
The club are also poised to part ways with Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia, who are currently on loan at Aston Villa and PSV Eindhoven.
Villa have the option to sign Rashford permanently for £40m. United could prefer an early exit this summer to balance their books before a spending spree.
