Football careers can swing wildly—one moment you’re a big-money flop, the next, you’re being hailed as a comeback story. That’s exactly where Antony finds himself.
After a tough stretch at Manchester United, the Brazilian winger seems to have rediscovered his form on loan at Real Betis.
And now, one of United’s all-time greats—Edwin van der Sar—is stepping in to say: give him another shot.
Van der Sar Wants Antony Back at Old Trafford
Edwin van der Sar, the legendary goalkeeper who helped United lift four Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, thinks Antony’s journey isn’t over in Manchester.
Despite a rough couple of years since his £86 million move from Ajax in 2022, Van der Sar believes Antony might still have something to offer the Red Devils.
Speaking to The Sun, Van der Sar said United are finally on a good path with their new striker signings, but they shouldn’t rule out bringing Antony back into the fold.
“Maybe Garnacho’s going to go,” he said. “I would say bring Antony back, but I’m not sure if that’s realistic.”
Antony’s Struggles and the Turning Point at Real Betis
It’s been no secret that Antony had a tough ride at United.
Twelve goals and just five assists in 96 games wasn’t what fans expected from such a high price tag.
Off the pitch, things were just as rough—he even admitted he thought about quitting the sport altogether.
But the January loan move to Real Betis changed everything.
In just five months, Antony scored 14 goals in 26 matches and lit up La Liga. Betis fans loved him.
Teammates praised him. Brazilian national team selectors noticed him—he got recalled.
Club legend Joaquin even joked that he’d kidnap Antony to stop him from leaving Betis.
That’s how much of an impression the 25-year-old made.
Antony Speaks Honestly About Hitting Rock Bottom
Back in the Brazil squad and with a smile finally returning to his face, Antony didn’t sugarcoat what he went through at United.
“I was hitting rock bottom without any hope,” he admitted. “I started to doubt even in myself.”
He credits his family for helping him stay grounded during that dark time.
“The process is painful,” he said, “and people must accept it.
Today, I understand it better after everything I went through.”
Is There Still a Future for Antony at United?
Even with Van der Sar in his corner, Antony’s return to Manchester United seems unlikely at this point.
He’s still under contract until 2027, but the club appears ready to move on.
Since Erik ten Hag—who brought Antony over from Ajax—couldn’t get the best out of him, and new manager Ruben Amorim also found no place for him, the odds don’t look great for a second chapter at Old Trafford.
But football has a funny way of surprising everyone.
And if Antony keeps showing the kind of form he did in Spain, maybe United—or someone else—will come calling again.