'I have spoken': Manager confused why £16.5m star has failed at Manchester United

Real Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini has said he is confused over Antony’s struggles since his big-money move to Manchester United.

The Brazil international signed for the Red Devils from Ajax for £85 million three years ago, but he has registered just 12 goals and five assists from 94 outings.

Antony was permitted to join Betis on loan last month, and he has been a revelation for the Spanish outfit with four goal contributions from as many appearances.

The 24-year-old recently scored with a brilliant volley against Real Sociedad and has already become a favourite among the fans at the Andalusian outfit.

When pressed on his transformation, Pellegrini praised Antony’s attitude and self-criticism, but he has no clue why he has struggled in his time at Old Trafford.

He said in a press conference (via Estadio Deportivo): “The most important thing has been his attitude and his self-criticism.

“If they paid that much money for him it is because he is a player of a great level, who for reasons unknown to me was not able to perform as expected at Manchester United.

“It is a revenge on himself to show that he is a much more mature player. I have spoken a lot with him to make him calm, without wanting to show great things, but to keep it simple.

“He is a great player who does important things for the team, and I hope he continues at that level until the end of the season because he will help us a lot.”

Antony has a Transfermarkt value of just £16.5 million, but United will hope to recoup at least £30-40m from his summer sale if he keeps shining at Betis.

Antony’s agent has refused to rule out the Brazilian continuing at the club, but manager Ruben Amorim appears to have identified a suitable replacement.

The Red Devils are trying to negotiate a pre-agreed deal for Sporting wonderkid Geovany Quenda. His arrival could pave the way for Antony’s summer exit.

Aside from Antony, the club are also poised to part ways with Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia, who are presently on loan at Aston Villa and PSV Eindhoven.

Villa have the option to sign Rashford permanently for £40m. United could prefer his early exit this summer to balance their books before a spending spree.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .