Antony offers surprise explanation for Man Utd struggles | OneFootball

Antony has admitted the city of Manchester itself played a part in his underwhelming form with Manchester United.

The £81.3m signing left United to join Real Betis on loan in January after racking up just 12 goals and five assists in 96 games for the Red Devils. Since moving to La Liga, Antony has eight goal contributions in just 11 appearances.

United head coach Ruben Amorim put Antony's upturn in form down to a perceived lack of physicality in Spain's top flight - an opinion which was quickly dismissed by the winger's agent.

Asked for his own explanation, Antony insisted he is simply happier in the city of Seville than he was in Manchester.

"The city has also had a lot of influence, it is better [than Manchester] and good here," he said after a fifth consecutive victory steered Betis into the Europa League qualification race. "I'm very happy here with that.

"And the sun here helps a lot. You're awake every day at noon, listening to your body, I go to sleep smiling, and that's the most important thing for me."

Antony's loan with Betis does not include the option for a permanent transfer and he is, therefore, due to return to United in the summer, although everyone involved is expected to pursue a parting of ways.

The 25-year-old has refused to be drawn on a possible permanent switch to Betis, although club CEO Ramon Alarcon claimed last month that Antony has privately admitted he wants to remain beyond this season.