The Brazilian endured a turbulent three-year spell at United following his £85m move from Ajax, losing his place under both Erik ten Hag and, later, Ruben Amorim. His final months at the club were spent on loan at Real Betis, where a dramatic resurgence persuaded the La Liga side to complete a permanent £21.5m deal in the summer.

Since making the switch, the 25-year-old has rebuilt his confidence and become one of Betis’ most influential attackers, contributing six goals and three assists across league and European competition this season.

Spanish football pundit Terry Gibson, speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, believes the contrast in environments explains Antony’s U-turn in form.

“He arrived in Spain as a player completely drained of belief,” Gibson said. “At United he wasn’t trusted, the supporters were indifferent, and the manager had moved on from him. Then he walks into Betis and is welcomed like a star. That changes everything for a player.”

Gibson added that the winger’s technical quality was never in doubt, but the lack of support at Old Trafford left him unable to establish the form he’s shown in Seville.

“When he’s feeling valued, he produces. He’s become one of Betis’ most popular players only behind Isco and that tells you how much he’s grown there.”

Antony missed this weekend’s derby win over Sevilla as he served a suspension for a high-boot challenge that earned him a VAR-upgraded red card against Girona. Betis secured a controlled 2–0 victory without him, but manager Manuel Pellegrini is expected to restore the Brazilian once his ban is complete.

The former United winger’s resurgence comes as another high-profile Old Trafford departure faces uncertainty in Spain. Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, hopes to earn a permanent move next summer, but Gibson warned that the Catalan club’s financial limitations could complicate any deal.

“Barcelona like him and the option is there,” Gibson said. “But raising the money won’t be straightforward even £30m is a stretch for them at the moment.”

Rashford has featured regularly under Hansi Flick but has yet to cement a guaranteed starting role, and Barcelona’s long-term decision on the forward is expected to depend on both form and finances over the remainder of the campaign.

As for Antony, his Old Trafford chapter appears firmly closed; with Betis confident they have revived a player once written off in the Premier League. United supporters, meanwhile, are left reflecting on a marquee signing who ultimately never lived up to his billing.