After Antony scored the winner for Real Betis against David de Gea’s Fiorentina, the Spaniard was quick to make a remark towards the Manchester United loanee.
In a Europa Conference League semi-final bout that saw one former Manchester United star go to battle against a current United loanee, it was the loanee who came out as the victor.
Antony’s stunning right-footed volley into the top corner left ex-red David De Gea completely helpless, and it gave his Real Betis side a 2-0 lead before Fiorentina brought one back before the end of the first leg.
This clash will now travel to Italy for what is set to be a very intense second leg, with the winner heading into the final to face Chelsea, unless Swedish side Djurgardens pull off a miracle at Stamford Bridge to turn around their three goal deficit.
The Brazilian winger’s stunner was his third goal in seven Conference League matches, totalling ten goal contributions in all competitions since he started his loan in Spain back in January.
De Gea makes fresh Antony claim after wondergoal
With Antony’s sixth goal in Betis colours coming from his right foot, it caught the Spanish shot stopper off guard, who was one of the masses in thinking that the Brazilian was heavily reliant on his left foot.
De Gea worked with Antony at Old Trafford and is glad to see him shining after experiencing difficulties in England.
“I trained with him 1,000 times and he never scored a goal with his right foot in any training session!” De Gea told Movistar Plus. “But now he’s confident and is showing the player he is.
“I haven’t seen the shot in any matches, I think a player was in front of it and I couldn’t see it, but he hit it well with his right foot. I’m happy for him because he was coming from a difficult moment at United and now he’s showing the best of himself.”
Antony finding his feet in Spain
Whilst United experience some European joy of their own on Spanish turf, having beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away from home, it is clear that their attacking loanee is enjoying his time away from Manchester.
Last night’s goal from Antony continues his fine vein of form ahead of what is set to be a busy summer for the 25-year-old. Although he will be heading back to Carrington when the season ends, he may not be there for long as clubs will surely be after his signature.
Antony is one of three United attackers who has improved their form whilst on loan from the club, with the futures of himself, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho all set to be decided in the coming months.
So far though, the Brazilian’s success in Spain has been great for United, who have a much better chance of selling him at a higher value than they did six months ago.
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