SBOTOP: Man Utd Urged to Avoid Antony Reunion Amid Criticism Over Inconsistent Form Despite Ajax and Betis Stints

When Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax in August 2022 for a staggering £85 million, the move was heralded by some as a masterstroke—an ambitious statement of intent and a reunion between player and former boss Erik ten Hag. Fast-forward nearly three years, and that narrative has shifted dramatically. As speculation grows about the possibility of Antony returning to Old Trafford after a loan spell at Real Betis, former players, pundits, and sections of the fanbase are issuing a stern warning: don’t bring him back.

Despite flashes of brilliance at Ajax and brief moments of resurgence in Spain, Antony’s career trajectory has come under increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that his flair-driven style masks a lack of consistent end product, and that his form since arriving in the Premier League has failed to justify the immense transfer fee. With Manchester United undergoing what many see as a cultural reset under new co-ownership and leadership structures, the question looms: Is there still room for Antony in the club’s future?

A Dream That Never Fully Materialized

When Antony arrived at Old Trafford, expectations were sky-high. Having flourished under Ten Hag at Ajax, the Brazilian winger was seen as a tailor-made piece for the Dutch manager’s attacking blueprint. He had scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists during the 2021–22 Eredivisie campaign, dazzling with his pace, skill, and ability to cut inside from the right flank.

United fans hoped Antony would replicate his Eredivisie form and bring back the kind of explosive wing play reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo or even early-career Nani. His left foot, dribbling ability, and fearless one-on-one approach seemed like the perfect antidote to the club’s recent creative stagnation.

Initially, the signs were encouraging. Antony scored on his debut against Arsenal in a thrilling 3-1 win, showcasing his trademark celebration and confidence. But over time, his performances grew inconsistent, and critics began pointing out a worrying pattern: he was often ineffective against disciplined defenses, lacked variety in his play, and seemed tactically rigid.

The Stats Tell a Stark Story

By the end of the 2023–24 season, Antony’s numbers told a sobering tale:

Premier League appearances: 41
Goals: 4
Assists: 2
Key Passes per game: 0.9
Successful dribbles per game: 1.4
Chances created: 16

For a winger who was one of the club’s most expensive signings ever, these figures were alarmingly underwhelming. Fans grew frustrated at his predictability: cutting inside onto his left foot, attempting long-range efforts, or losing the ball in congested areas.

Former United player Paul Parker didn’t mince words in a recent interview:

“Antony has never really looked great in a United shirt. You keep waiting for him to explode, to justify the price, but the truth is that it’s been more smoke than fire.”

Loan to Real Betis Redemption or False Dawn

In the 2024–25 season, United sent Antony on loan to Real Betis—a move that surprised many but was understood to be aimed at helping him rediscover form away from the English spotlight. The slower tempo of La Liga, some argued, might suit Antony’s style better.

At Betis, Antony enjoyed more freedom, occasionally impressing with stunning goals and nimble footwork. He showed glimpses of the talent that once lit up the Johan Cruyff Arena, including a match-winning brace against Valencia and a stellar assist in a draw against Atlético Madrid.

But again, consistency proved elusive. For every highlight, there were multiple games where he faded into anonymity. Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini praised Antony’s work ethic but admitted the player “still has a lot to learn about timing, movement, and decision-making.”

Over the course of the season at Betis:

La Liga appearances: 28
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
Average rating (WhoScored): 6.7

While these figures marked an improvement from his time at United, they were hardly the numbers of a player demanding a starting role at a top-six Premier League club.

Pundits and Fans Say Let Him Go

With United entering a pivotal summer transfer window under new sporting director Dan Ashworth and a fresh boardroom ethos under INEOS, decisions regarding returning loanees are under intense scrutiny. Antony is no exception.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher offered a scathing review during a recent segment:

“When you pay that kind of money, you expect magic. Antony’s highlight reel is two minutes long after two years. That says it all. Manchester United need to move forward, not cling to past mistakes.”

Online fan forums echo a similar sentiment. One popular Manchester United subreddit thread titled “Why Antony Shouldn’t Return” garnered over 5,000 upvotes, with comments ranging from tactical criticisms to questions about his attitude and mentality.

A top comment read:

“He doesn’t track back consistently, kills counter-attacks, and only has one move in his locker. We need players with hunger and football IQ—not Instagram dribblers.”

Even former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand, who has occasionally defended Antony in the past, admitted recently:

“There’s talent there, but talent alone isn’t enough. This league demands more. If he’s not improving after a year in Spain, maybe it’s time to move on.”

The Tactical Fit Still Misaligned

From a tactical standpoint, there’s another reason why United might resist welcoming Antony back. Under Erik ten Hag’s evolving system, wide players are expected to combine creative flair with pressing intensity and positional discipline. Players like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have shown rapid progress in these areas, whereas Antony often seemed at odds with the demands.

The current system relies heavily on quick interchanges, intelligent runs into half-spaces, and the ability to switch flanks when needed. Antony, with his reluctance to use his weaker foot and his tendency to isolate himself in 1v1s, often disrupted the rhythm of the attack.

Analyst Michael Cox of The Athletic recently noted:

“Modern wingers need to be unpredictable. Antony’s game is unfortunately easy to read, and unless he reinvents his approach, he’ll continue to struggle in top-tier systems.”

Manchester United’s Forward Vision

As the Red Devils reshape their squad, there’s a growing emphasis on signing versatile, multi-functional attackers who can adapt to different roles. With Marcus Rashford, Garnacho, Diallo, and rising academy stars pushing through, United may no longer have the patience or positional space to accommodate Antony’s niche style.

Moreover, rumors persist that United are eyeing high-profile wingers from around Europe, including:

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace) – Known for his creativity and work rate
Nico Williams (Athletic Club) – A pacey, two-footed dribbler
Pedro Neto (Wolves) – When fit, one of the Premier League’s most intelligent forwards

Adding such players would only further narrow the window for Antony’s potential reintegration.

The Financial Equation

There’s also the business side to consider. Antony’s transfer fee continues to be a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. United, under the new financial scrutiny of UEFA’s profitability and sustainability rules, may be reluctant to keep a high-wage player with diminishing resale value.

Reports from Spanish and Brazilian outlets suggest that Betis would consider a permanent deal if United significantly lowered their asking price—potentially as low as £25–30 million. While that would represent a massive loss, the opportunity to free up wages and a squad spot could outweigh the sunk cost.

“The worst mistake is to keep making the same one,” said Gary Neville on The Overlap. “It’s better to cut your losses than to keep waiting for a turnaround that may never come.”

Antony’s Perspective A Silent Struggle

Interestingly, Antony himself has remained largely silent amid the swirling speculation. Known for his passionate goal celebrations and energetic social media presence, the Brazilian has taken a more subdued tone during his loan spell.

Insiders suggest he remains determined to succeed at United, believing that with renewed focus and the right tactical support, he can revive his Premier League career. Yet, there’s also growing acknowledgment within his camp that a return might be more political than practical.

A source close to Antony was quoted saying:

“He loves the club, respects Ten Hag, but he knows the pressure is enormous. If he comes back, it has to be with a clear role and belief from the staff.”