Isco and Manuel Pellegrini deliver Antony verdict after Manchester United loanee made Real Betis debut

Real Betis star Isco and manager Manuel Pellegrini have delivered their verdicts on Antony after his debut for the Spanish club.

Manchester United confirmed last week that Antony has joined Real Betis on loan, as he was unlikely to feature regularly under Ruben Amorim.

The 24-year-old had only made a few appearances since the Portuguese manager took charge, and it became evident that he would not be a key part of the squad.

With the summer transfer window approaching, United are hoping the loan spell will help boost Antony’s market value, and Betis have given him the opportunity.

The Brazilian made an impressive start, earning the Man of the Match award on his debut against Athletic Club on Sunday evening.

Isco and Pellegrini deliver verdicts on Antony debut

Antony described his first game as “incredible” after he set up Isco’s opener in the first-half after his curling effort could only be parried into Isco’s path.

After the game, the ex-Real Madrid midfielder was asked about the impact of his new teammate and was impressed, although suggested there is still more to improve from Antony and the entire team.

“It’s been great, we need people to contribute. Antony has been very good, but there is still a lot to continue improving and working on,” he told LaLiga TV.

That was an assessment echoed by the manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who praised Antony’s ability to “do a lot of damage” in the game.

Pellegrini added: “He is a player who unbalances due to his individual ability. Because of his characteristics we knew he was going to do a lot of damage”

United loan exit tactic

United are hoping that Antony can raise his value in Spain ahead of the summer transfer window, with the club in need of every penny they can get from player sales.

It seems to be something that club have done more recently – loaning senior players out so they can raise their value away from Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho’s move to Borussia Dortmund last season had that objective after his value tanked, while Marcus Rashford has also headed on loan to Aston Villa this month. Tyrell Malacia could also head out on loan before the deadline.

While it can be an OK short-term tactic considering the difficulties being faced at Old Trafford at the moment, United need to stop getting in positions where some of their star assets need to go on loan to raise their value.

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