La Liga

ANTONY’S agent has fired back at Ruben Amorim’s suggestion that the winger lacks the physicality to thrive in the Prem.The 25-year-old winger, who joined Real Betis from United in January on a six-month loan, has made an instant impression for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, notching three goals and two assists in seven games.Man Utd loanee Antony’s agent has fired back at Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyAntony has notched three goals and two assists in seven games for BetisAntony’s significant upturn in form has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.When quizzed on it, Amorim gave his take on why the Brazilian has flourished at Betis. Amorim said: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there. If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot. “Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s because of a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd now, Antony’s agent, Junior Pedroso, has hit back at those comments, with data to suggest Amorim’s comments were off the mark.He appeared to suggest United are to blame for Antony failing in Manchester, not the player himself.Pedroso said: “Many players who do not prosper at United find success at other clubs, which leads us to wonder if the problem really lies with the players.”We respect the opinion of coach Ruben Amorim, but we completely disagree with his analysis.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”To attribute Antony’s lack of success at Manchester United solely to the question of physicality is a very superficial argument and does not reflect reality.”The truth is that Antony has not had enough prominence or the confidence necessary to play his best football. Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-mates”Of the 15 games in which Amorim managed United, he only used Antony in nine, with a total of 252 minutes played. “This represents only 18.6% of the total possible minutes (1,350 minutes). “How can you judge an athlete without a minimum sequence to prove his worth?”Since joining Betis on loan, Antony has rediscovered his form, which has seen him win Man of the Match in three games.He even scored a stunning volley from the edge of the box against Real Sociedad last month – who United face in the Europa League on Thursday.United fans have been left scratching their heads, as he equalled last season’s goal tally in just four games last month. Pedroso added: “The manager’s statement, although perhaps it was not his intention, ends up devaluing LaLiga and the Spanish competitions.”The reality is that Antony, since he arrived at Real Betis, has become one of the best players in the team.”This makes it clear that the problem was not his physicality, but rather the context and the way he was coached in Manchester.”Antony has told Betis he would be open to extending his loan from United by a further 12 months.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”Antony, who joined United from Ajax in September 2022 for a reported £86 million, has notched just 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances. More

ANTONY has told Real Betis he would be open to extending his loan from Manchester United by a further 12 months.The Brazilian winger, 25, endured a nightmare stay at Old Trafford after making the £85 million move from Ajax in summer 2022.Manchester United loanee Antony is open to extending his stay at Real BetisCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has impressed during his first month in SpainCredit: GettyAntony joined United for £85 million in the summerCredit: GettyBut he agreed to join the Spanish club in a loan deal in January and so far the move has worked out well.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”The statement has left many United fans questioning the supposed state-of-the-art conditions at their own HQ.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne fan fumed: “Is Carrington that bad?”A second said: “Wow another player hinting at the under par facilities at United.”Another added: “Surely the facilities at Betis CANNOT be better than United’s.”One more wrote: “Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo was right.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs things stand, Antony will return to United in the summer – but a longer spell in Spain has not been ruled out.Antony’s electric performances for Betis have certainly put him in the spotlight for potential buyers.Sir Alex Ferguson filmed enjoying Zimbabwe holiday as legendary ex-Man Utd boss forgets about Red Devils woesHe has already scored three goals and provided two assists in seven matches for Betis and had a straight red overturned.The winger’s mid-season switch has reinvigorated him, and he now has designs on winning his place back in the Brazil squad. Upon leaving United in 2022 for Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo described Carrington as “stopped in time”.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Nothing changed, surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym. “Even the kitchen, the chefs, whom I appreciate – lovely people. They stopped in time. It surprised me a lot.”I thought I would see other things, technologies, and infrastructure. “Unfortunately, we see a lot of what I used to see at 21, 22, and 23 years old. It really surprised me.”Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with Man United’s training facilitiesCarrington’s swimming pool as it looked in 2000It comes after United stars were reportedly stopped from ever visiting the Glazer-owned Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The Red Devils have often toured around the US for pre-season, but have never been near Tampa.However, it has now been revealed United were stopped from visiting their sister team over fears it would spark a player revolt.READ MORE SUN STORIESESPN’s Mark Ogden explained it was believed if players from United saw the training facilities in Tampa they would then rebel due to their own relatively poor facilities.A United supporters’ group has unveiled plans for a protest before the club host Arsenal on Sunday, March 9.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More