Sometimes, all a player needs is a change of scenery to rediscover their best form.

That certainly seems to be the case for Antony, who has hit the ground running at Real Betis.

Since joining the Spanish club, the Brazilian winger has contributed four goals and four assists in just 10 appearances— a stark contrast to his underwhelming stint at Manchester United.

The Manchester Struggles

Antony’s time at Old Trafford never really took off. After making an £85 million move from Ajax in 2022, expectations were sky-high, but the winger managed just 12 goals in 96 appearances for the Red Devils.

His performances left fans frustrated, and as it turns out, the English climate may have played a bigger role in his struggles than many realized.

Sunshine Makes a Difference

Speaking about his resurgence in Spain, Antony admitted that the lack of sun in England made life difficult for him.

“The sun here helps a lot, and the city (Seville) is better than Manchester,” he shared.

The warmer weather and vibrant atmosphere in Seville seem to have revitalized the 25-year-old, allowing him to perform at a level more in line with his potential.

Physicality Was Another Factor

It wasn’t just the weather that posed a challenge. Manchester United’s current manager, Ruben Amorim, pointed out that the Premier League’s physical demands were another major hurdle for Antony.

“When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.

If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot,” Amorim told TNT Sports.

According to him, Antony is thriving in Spain because La Liga places less emphasis on brute strength compared to English football.

What’s Next for Antony?

Betis are certainly enjoying the benefits of Antony’s talents, and they’ve shown interest in making his move permanent.

As part of their current loan deal, they are already covering a significant portion of his wages—reportedly around £100,000 per week, which is about 84% of what he was earning at United.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are likely to consider any reasonable offers to recoup part of their initial investment.

For now, Antony is flourishing in Spain, proving that sometimes, the right environment can make all the difference. Whether his future lies permanently with Betis or elsewhere, one thing is clear—he’s a player reborn.