Manchester United are getting what they needed from an unlikely source after January transfer

After making just 14 appearances for Manchester United this season prior to his January exit, Antony could have been excused for slowly adjusting to life at Real Betis.

He had played just 407 minutes of football this term, failing to make a single Premier League start. His only goal was a penalty in the 7-0 thrashing of League One side Barnsley back in September.

However, Antony has hit the ground running in Spain, scoring three goals in his first four appearances. His stunning volley against Real Sociedad on Sunday night marked the third game in succession that he had found the net in.

After being advised by Betis boss and former Manchester City chief Manuel Pellegrini to stop feeling the need to express his flamboyancy and skills following his debut just over a fortnight ago, the Brazilian has got his head down and made an immediate impact.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo just over a week ago before scoring again in a 3-0 win over Gent in the Europa Conference League five days later. He made it three in three in style against Sociedad at the weekend, as well as claiming his first assist for the club.

Directly contributing to four goals in his first three appearances, Betis, United and Antony will be delighted with his start. United had to get him off their books in January.

The Brazilian, who was an £86.3million signing from Ajax in September 2022, last started a league game for United in May 2024, meaning even Erik ten Hag ran out of patience with the winger prior to his October sacking.

Antony rarely showed that he was good enough for the Premier League and he will go down as one of the division's worst-ever signings due to his eye-watering price tag.

Despite the calls for United