Although Antony is fully focused on his commitments with Real Betis, his attention was also on his `other` team last night. The on-loan player closely followed the Europa League final involving his former teammates. Despite not being part of the current Manchester United squad, the Brazilian would have been among those crowned champions of the competition (now the UEFA Cup) had they won. However, Erik Ten Hag`s side fell to Tottenham, marking their worst season in recent history. Since the 1973/74 campaign, the English club had not recorded worse numbers than those achieved this season. These results could potentially increase the chances of the Brazilian staying at Heliópolis for at least one more season.
Antony, Without the Europa League Title
While perhaps just an anecdote, the fact remains that the Green and White player was on the verge of winning his first European title. Just six days before potentially competing for his first career title with Betis, yesterday offered the initial opportunity from Seville. The player, on loan from the English club, participated in the group stage under then-manager Erik Ten Hag, a circumstance that would have entitled him to a winner`s medal. However, his former teammates` defeat against Tottenham leaves him without the first of the two opportunities he had this week. Meanwhile, the player is now thinking about what could be his last night wearing the Green and White shirt. Although the desire of everyone, including the player, is to continue at Betis, the English club will have the final say on his future.
The upcoming match represents a major occasion for Betis. It will be the club`s first European final in history against one of the most powerful teams on the European stage. With an infinitely larger investment than the Andalusian club, Maresca`s side start as favorites. However, this favoritism does not deter a Betis team that will not be alone in Poland, as more than 12,000 fans will fill the stadium stands for the final. For both Antony and the rest of the squad, this match could help cap off one of the best seasons in the club`s recent history, potentially bolstering the case for keeping the `7` at Betis for at least one more season, provided an agreement can be reached with the Red Devils.
Drama at United
The Europa League final was an all-or-nothing situation for Manchester United. After a tragic season, only a victory in the final would have salvaged the situation for a club adrift. Without a clear sporting project, the new season must serve as a turning point for a team that continues to decline with each passing season. Registering their worst performance since the 1973-74 season (the year of their last relegation to the Second Division), not even a change of manager could reverse a dynamic that was already heading downwards. Looking ahead to next year, although the club will seek a revolution, the absence of European competition could make it more difficult to attract players to the new project, which hit rock bottom yesterday.
