Man United Lianee Antony added a goal contribution to his account on Thursday when he has an assist for the opener on his side in their 2-2 draw with Vitoria SC in the UEFA Conference League.
The winger, 25, has been revived since he came to Betis on loan from United of United in January, and scored three goals and registers three assists in just eight games.
The temporary relocation from Antony came to Spain after he struggled heavily in Old Trafford after his £ 85 million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022, with the Brazilian being on the periphery under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Antony only scored 12 goals and added five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils, even though it was the second most expensive signing of the club of all time.
His performances in Laliga have driven Betis on the European qualification – including a stunning 2-1 victory against Real Madrid during the weekend.
Antony again had a hand in the goals on Thursday to help Cedric Bakambu and to help Betis get a draw in the first stage of their Last-16 Conference League-equal game against Vorroria SC.
After a cross in a busy box, Antony led the ball to Bakambu, who provided his defender to shoot up close.
It was hardly the most glamorous assists, but they all count the same.
In addition to his target contributions, Antony is recognized for his strong performance at Betis with three player from the Match Awards in eight games.
But his agent Junior Pedroso broke back to Amorim after the United Baas suggested that the turn of Antony is in shape due to the lighter physical demands in LaLiga.
“If you play against every team in England, the physicality is there,” Amorim said. 'If you don't have any physicality, you will struggle a lot.
“Antony is now so much better in Spain. Are [because of] Many factors, but I guarantee that it is physicality. '
Amorim's comments led to a spicy reaction from Pedroso, who did not agree with the attitude of the Portuguese in an interview with Marca.
“We respect Ruben Amorim's opinion, but we don't agree with his point of view,” said Pedroso.
“Attributing Antony's lack of success at Manchester United to a physical factor is a superficial analysis that does not match reality.”
Moreover, Pedroso chose to point his finger at the culture and the circumstances at Manchester United as a reason for playing players.
He added: “Many players who fail at United are successful at other clubs, which raises the question of whether the problem is really with the players.”
Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon revealed that Antony expressed the wish to stay in the club for the long term.
Betis does not have an option to buy Antony within their loan agreement, although they cover 84 percent of his salary.
“Recently Antony told me that he wanted to stay for another year,” Alarcon told the El Pelotazo show of Canal Sur.
“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”