Manchester United loanee Antony continued his impressive form in Spain, netting his third goal in as many games as Real Betis cruised to a 3-0 victory over nine-man Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The 24-year-old winger, who had already found the net against Celta Vigo and Gent, showcased his brilliance once again with a sensational volley from just inside the box to open the scoring at the Benito Villamarín.

Antony further influenced the game by assisting Marc Roca for Betis’ third goal, capping off a dominant performance that propelled the club to eighth place in LaLiga. He also won a penalty earlier in the match, though Giovani Lo Celso failed to convert it.

Since arriving on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, Antony has featured in four matches across all competitions. His impact has been immediate, earning Player of the Match honors in all three of his LaLiga appearances—against Athletic Club, Celta Vigo, and Real Sociedad—while also impressing in the Europa Conference League against Gent.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, Antony credited his happiness as the key to his resurgence.

“I think the most important thing is to be happy,” he said. “Here, I am happy. Everything is coming naturally. I am thrilled to score and contribute to the team. I don’t set goal targets; I just work hard, stay focused, and enjoy every moment.”

Antony has thrived in Betis’ restructured attacking lineup, operating behind fellow January signing Cucho Hernández, who arrived from MLS side Columbus Crew, alongside Isco and young talent Jesús Rodriguez.

“I’m really pleased with our forward line,” Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini stated in a post-match press conference. “I always emphasize teamwork, but individuals make the difference in key moments. Antony has started exceptionally well, and his goal today was something special.”

Despite being Manchester United’s second most expensive signing at £80 million ($97.3m) from Ajax in 2022, Antony’s current form has fueled speculation about his long-term future. Betis CEO Ramón Alarcón recently hinted at the possibility of extending the Brazilian’s stay, stating, “Why not? It’s a possibility.”

Looking ahead, Betis faces two consecutive away fixtures against Gent in the Conference League and Getafe in LaLiga before hosting league leaders Real Madrid on March 2.

Manchester United’s turbulent season took another hit with their 12th Premier League defeat, this time against Tottenham. The latest loss has intensified the pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim, who is now tasked with finding a way out of the ongoing crisis.

Another Setback for United

United’s struggles continued over the weekend, as they succumbed to a narrow loss against Tottenham, courtesy of a winning goal from James Maddison. The defeat leaves the Red Devils languishing in 15th place, raising concerns over their season’s trajectory. Amorim is eager to get his squad back on the training ground ahead of their crucial clash with Everton. However, injuries within the squad could pose a significant challenge.

With key players still sidelined, United’s head coach will be hoping for a timely return of some of his stars to strengthen the squad before their upcoming fixture. Here’s a closer look at the latest headlines surrounding the club.

Gary Neville Blasts United’s Tactical Setup

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has not held back in his criticism of Amorim’s tactics, highlighting serious flaws in the team’s structure. Speaking on Sky Sports following Tottenham’s decisive goal, Neville pointed out the team’s poor organization.

“The midfield positioning is completely off,” Neville remarked. “Look at where Fernandes is, look at Casemiro. It defies all logic. This is not how a well-structured team should operate.”

He further criticized the side’s defensive discipline, adding, “The gaps in midfield are shocking. You wouldn’t even see this in an under-9s game. Amorim is furious on the sidelines, yelling at his coaching staff, but the real issue is how the team is set up.”

Matthijs de Ligt Urges Team to Unite

Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt has called for greater unity among his teammates, stressing that a lack of cohesion is contributing to their poor run of form. Reflecting on the defeat, De Ligt emphasized the need for collective responsibility.

“When we lose, it’s clear that many things need improvement,” he admitted. “We are not where Manchester United should be. If I had the answer, I’d say it and we would be winning matches. But right now, we must look at ourselves and take responsibility.”

De Ligt also warned against selfish play, stating, “If we all act individually, we won’t get results. We must stick together, analyze what’s going wrong, and work as a unit.”

Despite the mounting pressure, the defender remains resolute. “I hate losing—it’s the worst feeling. Facing the fans in times like this is tough. But I am giving my all, and so are my teammates. Right now, my focus is on helping the team, not personal concerns.”

What’s Next for United?

As United prepares for a crucial match against an in-form Everton side, Amorim must find solutions quickly to halt the decline. With fans growing increasingly frustrated, only a strong response on the pitch can ease tensions and restore faith in the team’s direction.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted that his team’s struggles on the pitch have contributed to the recent wave of job losses at Old Trafford.

Following the club’s financial difficulties, co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group faced backlash for cutting nearly a quarter of United’s workforce over the summer. With further layoffs expected, the club is aiming to reduce losses that have accumulated to £300 million over the past three years. Additionally, ticket prices have been increased to help stabilize finances.

Amorim, whose squad currently sits 14th in the Premier League standings, believes the first team must take responsibility for their role in the club’s challenges.

“It’s crucial for us—players and coaching staff alike—to recognize the impact we have,” Amorim stated. “People are losing their jobs, and we can’t turn a blind eye to that reality.”

He emphasized that the team’s underperformance has had a direct financial impact.

“The biggest issue is the football team itself. We are the ones spending the money, yet we’re not winning. Without Champions League qualification, revenue streams are affected, and unfortunately, that has consequences,” Amorim explained. “It creates an unsettling atmosphere, and we must acknowledge our responsibility in this situation.”

The Portuguese manager reinforced that the squad must be accountable for the club’s struggles.

“We accept that the first team bears a lot of the responsibility,” he added.

Manchester United will look to improve their fortunes on Sunday when they face Tottenham, who currently sit one spot below them in 15th place in the Premier League table.