Antony endured a quiet night for Real Betis as they were beaten in the Europa Conference League final as the Manchester United loanee struggled to stand up on the big stage
Antony was labelled a "ghost" after he failed to show up for Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final as they were beaten by Chelsea. The Spanish side took the lead, but were ultimately undone in Poland.
Their Manchester United loanee had been crucial in them getting to the final, scoring a stunning goal to see off Fiorentina en route. That is one of several contributions he's made in the final third as the Brazilian continues to rediscover his best form.
It has been a far cry from the Antony we've seen in Manchester with the ex-Ajax man continuing to underwhelm as he fails to deliver on his mammoth price tag. Since moving to Betis though he's been one of La Liga's most productive players.
He endured an off-night in the final however and ex-Blue Frank Leboeuf claims Antony looked more like the player we've seen in Manchester for the last two years.
Leboeuf told ESPN: "It wasn't his night. I don't really follow La Liga except the big games but I thought Antony had a better change in his football. Today I saw the ghost that was playing for Manchester United. The only thing he did was pick fights with Enzo Fernandez.
"I was very disappointed with his game, I was expecting something more creative and dangerous. Unfortunately for Betis we didn't see the Antony who has been good during his loan. That guy has to avoid English football, that's it. Don't play against English teams and don't play for any football club in England because it doesn't suit him."
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Antony's form in England has been a struggle ever since he moved in the summer of 2022. He found himself well down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim, who eventually sanctioned his loan departure.
In light of his impressive form in Spain the United boss has been quizzed on the player's future. Amorim claimed it was only a good thing that Antony had gone on to thrive. "We see our players doing well on loan in a different context. That can happen and it's a good sign for the club," he said.
Antony's future in Manchester remains in doubt but his exploits with Betis have put him firmly in the shop window. The player himself said: "My work is playing and I'm doing that well. I have a lot of affection for Betis, for everyone but I have a contract with Man United and I don't know what's going to happen."
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