The dramatic decline of Antony’s market value serves as a stark reminder of the financial pitfalls Manchester United has navigated in recent years. Once the centerpiece of a record-breaking £85.5 million transfer from Ajax, the Brazilian winger is now valued at just £34 million by TransferMarkt—less than half of the fee United originally shelled out to bring him to Old Trafford.
Antony’s high-profile arrival in Manchester, orchestrated by former manager Erik ten Hag, was hailed as a statement signing. However, his tenure at the club ultimately became defined by inconsistent performances and mounting pressure. Following a difficult period at Old Trafford, the 26-year-old was eventually sent on loan to Real Betis by Ruben Amorim midway through the 2024/25 campaign, a move that proved to be a turning point for his career.
In Spain, Antony managed to rediscover his confidence. During his initial loan stint, he contributed nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances, playing a pivotal role in helping Real Betis qualify for the UEFA Europa League. This resurgence led to a permanent switch to the Spanish side, with Betis securing his services for a fixed fee of £19 million, potentially rising by £2.6 million in performance-related add-ons—a fraction of the price United had paid years prior.
Reflecting on his departure from the Premier League, Antony has been candid about the psychological toll his time in England took on him. In an interview with ESPN Brazil earlier this year, he admitted that the move to Spain was one of the most important decisions of his life. “It was one of the best decisions of my life to stay at Betis,” he said, citing the positive impact on his family and his mental well-being.
He openly discussed the “difficult” atmosphere at Manchester United, revealing that he had struggled to cope with the intense scrutiny. “Honestly, during the difficult time I went through, I even doubted myself,” Antony admitted. “I thought I wouldn’t get through that situation. My family always told me to calm down… The process is painful, and we have to accept it.”
The move appears to have matured the winger, who finished the 2025/26 campaign with 14 goals in 46 games, helping Betis qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 21 years. Despite his eventual exit, having recorded 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, his legacy at the club remains a contentious topic among supporters.
As Antony looks to maintain his form, he faces the challenge of building on his recent success in La Liga. While he has endured a slow start to the current campaign—yet to register a goal or an assist in his first five matches—the Brazilian remains convinced that his painful “process” in Manchester was a necessary step in his development as a professional and as a person.
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