Antony has left Manchester United fans despairing after a stunning strike for Real Betis in the Europa Conference League. Just after the break, the Brazilian cut in from the right wing before drilling home a left-foot shot from outside the area.
It was his second goal in just three appearances since sealing his loan move to Spain, having won player of the match awards in each of the previous two matches.
But rather than leave United supporters encouraged, his latest big moment has instead left them lamenting their own club.
“You can’t help but laugh,” wrote @Utd__Agenda on X, also posting image of the spectacular goal. “This is Antony. Are we the problem?”
@HazaUTD echoed similar sentiments, saying: “This football club is genuinely cursed. Player leaves…. and they thrive elsewhere. It’s laughable, it really, really is man.”
@thekayleb_ added: “Manchester United really is the problem,” while @MajidAdex posted: “Something is wrong in United.” @CantonasMind said: “Confidence can do miracles to a player…”
Antony, 24, was brought to England by Erik ten Hag in August 2024 for an £82million fee. Despite a positive start to life in England, he’s since become regarded as a flop at United and featured in just eight Premier League matches this season before being shipped out by Ruben Amorim.
He’s thus far notched just 12 goals in 96 club appearances, a stark contrast to his record in Holland – where he struck 25 times in 82 matches. But his early displays at Betis have already seen him become a popular figure with fans.
His latest strike capped another fine individual display, and also set his side up for a big first-leg win in the last-16 tie. Cedric Bakambu later added a second, before Sergi Altimira made it 3-0 late on.
United fans’ reservations follow a number of other stars seemingly rediscovering their form after leaving the club. Scott McTominay is currently thriving in a Napoli side that is top of Serie A after his summer move, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed at West Ham.
And further questions could soon be asked of the club culture if Marcus Rashford starts performing and scoring goals for Aston Villa following his loan move. Like Antony, the forward had become an outcast under Amorim and is expected to leave on a permanent deal in the summer.
