Real Betis had never made it past the quarter-finals of a European competition before reaching this season's Conference League final Such has been Antony's impact on loan at Real Betis from Manchester United, the Spanish club's players are seemingly willing to go to any lengths to keep the Brazilian winger. "Antonio of Triana," started the sinister-sounding message on the Instagram page belonging to Betis captain Isco. "We're going to kidnap you: this is your first warning." It was not long before the second followed as former Betis winger Joaquin got in on the joke by adding: "If I have to provide the car to kidnap him, I will. However it happens, he has to stay." It is no wonder Betis want to keep hold of the 25-year-old. Since hisloan move from Old Traffordat the end of January, the Brazil international has helped transform the club's season. They moved from ninth in La Liga to sixth and a spot in the Europa League, with Antony also instrumental in taking them to their first European final - when they face Chelsea in the Conference League on Wednesday in Wroclaw, Poland. Antony scored in both legs of Real Betis' semi-final win over Fiorentina to set up a Conference League final against Chelsea In 25 matches since he joined, Betis have won 13 and drawn eight, losing only four. Their 51 goals in that time is at a rate of better than two a game and Antony has directly contributed to 14 of them, with nine goals and five assists, including scoring in both legs of the dramatic semi-final victory over Fiorentina. Betiswon 4-3 on aggregateafter extra time as Antony, who had grabbed the winner in a 2-1 first-leg home win, netted a wonderful free-kick in Florence and then created the decisive goal for Abde Ezzalzouli to leave Betis on the brink of club history and a first European trophy. "Antony is already a hero in Betis," said Spanish football expert and BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague. "They love a player that's a bit different, or one that has struggled and finds happiness in Seville. "Seville is a place for bull fighters. They like the bull fighter that goes off script and does things his own way - and Antony is that kind of player so they absolutely love him. He has been effective and taken the team to another level. "Betis have given the man love and confidence, played him in the right position and played him all the time. He has been absolutely brilliant and he has been emotional. "We saw a very cold guy at United, since he has gone to Betis and things have been working, we've seen him cry, we've see him laugh and Betis fans love that." Isco (left) and Antony have scored 21 goals between them for Real Betis in all competitions this season Antony wasone of the first signingsmade by Erik ten Hag when he became the United manager in 2022, after the pair had won successive Dutch Eredivisie titles together at Ajax. The fee of £81.3m (95m euros, rising to a potential 100m euros), meant Antony became the second most expensive player in United history - behind Paul Pogba. It began well. Antony played 44 games in 2022-23, scoring eight goals with three assists, and started in United's Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle. In the following campaign 17 of his 38 appearances come as a substitute, and he was an unused sub in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City. That downturn continued in 2024-25, with him not starting a Premier League match before his move to Spain. "I couldn't take it any more," said Antony earlier this week in an emotional interview with TNT Sports Brazil. "I wasn't happy, I didn't feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again. Playing football was always something I loved - I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure." In his last 44 games for Manchester United in the Premier League, Antony registered three goal involvements (one goal, two assists). He only needed four La Liga matches to beat that, scoring twice and making another two goals Then United manager Ten Hag said in January last year that Antony's form had been impacted by off-field issues. The Brazilian was thesubject of a police investigationafter allegations of domestic abuse were made against him by three women. He denied the allegations, spoke to Greater Manchester Police voluntarily and was not arrested or charged in either Brazil or the UK. Antony said his unhappiness affected his family life, describing the period as "very hard days for me". He added: "I was at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room. "It was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here." However, Balague does not expect Betis to be able to keep Antony because of the transfer fee United would demand. "Manchester United won't sell for less than 50m euros and Betis will be in Europe, but I think Antony belongs at Champions League level," Balague told BBC Sport. "They are going into the final with the idea of having nothing to lose. They're in their first final, have a lot of quality, compete really well, battle for everything, follow the ideas of [coach Manuel] Pellegrini and their best players are reaching their best level. "They are a formidable team, but Chelsea are favourites. Betis should enjoy the last minutes with Antony because he probably won't stay." Antony (pictured with United boss Ruben Amorim) has played 96 times for Manchester United in all competitions, with 63 starts. He has scored 12 goals and contributed five assists Antony's loan move has worked in one sense, he has impressed and now clubs will be much more likely to be keen on signing him - Real Betis would clearly like to have him back. However, his wages remain high for a club like Betis, so whether he goes back there depends on a deal being done - either with the Brazilian over a wage reduction, or United to offer some kind of subsidy. The real problem is the price tag if it comes to a permanent sale. It is fairly obvious the club has no chance of getting the £81.3m they paid for him back. He still has two years left on his initial five-year contract, so for amortisation purposes, United still need to sell him for £32.52m - otherwise they make a loss. Quite aside from his poor form since joining from Ajax, as a wide player, Antony doesn't fit Ruben Amorim's system. We know there are going to be huge changes at Old Trafford this season, it is impossible to think Antony will still be at the club after the transfer window closes on 1 September. As with many United players this summer, the key is how quickly a deal can be done - and how much it will cost. Antony holding the Carabao Cup after Manchester United's 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the 2023 final. He is pictured alongside Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford - two other wide players who have been allowed to have loan spells away from Old Trafford
How Antony became a 'hero in Betis' after Man Utd sadness
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Antony's Impact at Real Betis Highlights Transformation After Manchester United Struggles"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Antony's loan move from Manchester United to Real Betis has proven to be a transformative experience for both the player and the Spanish club. Since his arrival at the end of January, Antony has played a crucial role in elevating Betis from mid-table obscurity to a position of competitiveness in La Liga, now sitting sixth and qualifying for the Europa League. His contributions include nine goals and five assists across 25 matches, which have helped the team secure 13 wins and reach their first-ever European final in the UEFA Conference League against Chelsea. The Brazilian winger's performances, particularly his standout displays in the semi-finals against Fiorentina, have endeared him to Betis fans and players alike, with captain Isco humorously suggesting they might 'kidnap' him to ensure he stays in Seville. The camaraderie and support from Betis have fostered a renewed sense of joy and confidence in Antony, contrasting sharply with his struggles at Manchester United, where he faced a decline in form and off-field issues that impacted his mental well-being.
Antony's time at Manchester United was marked by high expectations following his record transfer, yet he often found himself sidelined, with declining performances and a lack of enjoyment in the game. The emotional toll of these challenges was evident in his reflections about feeling disconnected from his passion for football. However, his resurgence at Betis, where he has been embraced for his unique style and flair, has been significant. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague emphasized that Antony has become 'a hero in Betis,' resonating with the local culture that celebrates individuality and resilience. Despite his impressive form, there are uncertainties regarding his future as Manchester United is unlikely to let him go for less than €50 million, a fee that may be prohibitive for Betis. Ultimately, while Antony's impact has been profound during his loan spell, the complexities of his transfer situation suggest that he may not remain in Seville for long, with potential suitors likely to emerge as clubs recognize his rejuvenated talent.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an intriguing look into the significant impact that Brazilian winger Antony has had on Real Betis following his loan from Manchester United. It details his contributions to the team as they strive for success in both domestic and European competitions. The tone of the piece combines a light-hearted narrative with serious implications regarding player loyalty and club ambition.
Impact of Antony on Real Betis' Performance
Since joining Real Betis, Antony has been a transformative figure for the club. His performance statistics are impressive, with significant contributions in terms of goals and assists, directly influencing their rise in La Liga standings and their journey to the Conference League final. This success story is crafted to enhance Antony's image as a pivotal player, creating a narrative of redemption after his less favorable spell at Manchester United.
Community Sentiment and Player Attachment
The humorous approach taken by Betis players, including references to "kidnapping" Antony to ensure he stays, underscores a deep emotional connection between the player and the club. This camaraderie is likely intended to foster a sense of community and loyalty, portraying Antony not just as a player but as a beloved figure in the Betis squad. The article cultivates this sentiment, appealing to fans who value a player's commitment and connection to the club.
Possibility of Underlying Issues
While the article celebrates Antony's achievements, it may also serve to distract from potential issues at Manchester United regarding player management or performance. By focusing on Antony's success elsewhere, it subtly shifts attention away from the challenges he faced at his parent club. This could imply a narrative that Manchester United may not be maximizing their players' potential, a point that could be worth exploring further.
Manipulative Elements and Trustworthiness
The article emphasizes Antony's hero status, which could be viewed as somewhat manipulative, especially if it exaggerates the player’s influence on the team’s overall success. The emotional language and light-hearted anecdotes may serve to create a more favorable image of Antony, potentially overshadowing other factors contributing to Betis' performance. However, the factual basis of the statistics presented lends credibility to the narrative, making it a mix of reliable information and emotional storytelling.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When placed alongside other sports news, this article appears to align with trends that glorify players, particularly those who have experienced a resurgence after difficult times. This reflects a broader media strategy that focuses on narrative arcs of redemption and success, likely resonating well with fans and enhancing engagement.
Potential Societal and Economic Effects
The heightened visibility of Antony and Real Betis could influence fan engagement and ticket sales, especially leading up to their European final against Chelsea. This narrative may also affect the market for player transfers, as Antony's performance could increase his valuation and interest from other clubs. Additionally, the excitement generated can positively impact the local economy surrounding match days.
Audience Engagement and Community Appeal
This article is likely to resonate with football fans, particularly those who appreciate stories of individual players overcoming adversity and making significant contributions to their teams. By tapping into themes of loyalty, community, and success, it seeks to engage a wide range of readers who are emotionally invested in football narratives.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly influence stock markets, it could impact the valuations of clubs involved in player transfers and sponsorship deals. The popularity of players like Antony can lead to increased merchandise sales and advertising revenue, which are important for clubs' financial health.
Global Context and Relevance
In the broader context of global football, the narrative around Antony reflects ongoing themes of player movement and performance under pressure. As clubs navigate the complexities of player management, stories like these highlight the human aspects of sports, making it relevant to current discussions about player welfare and club dynamics.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is a possibility that AI tools may have been used in crafting this article, particularly in analyzing player statistics and constructing a compelling narrative. AI could assist in data-driven insights that support the article's claims about Antony's impact, although the emotional tone and anecdotal humor suggest human input in the storytelling process.
In conclusion, the article successfully highlights Antony's journey and impact at Real Betis while intertwining humor and community sentiment. While it presents a largely positive narrative, there are elements that could be interpreted as manipulative, depending on the reader's perspective. Overall, the reliability of the article is bolstered by factual data, although the emotional undertones warrant a critical reading.