Antony hailed as Real Betis’ best ever signing after starring against Forest

Sporting director Manu Fajardo said sealing the winger on a permanent deal this summer demonstrated his club’s European ambitions.

Antony gave a glimpse against Nottingham Forest as to why Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo believes the Manchester United flop might be “the most important signing” in the club’s history.

The 25-year-old has been reborn in Andalusia after an underwhelming stint at Old Trafford, where he failed to get anywhere near justifying the lofty fee paid to Ajax three years ago.

Antony arrived for an eye-popping 95million euros (£82.1m), plus a potential 5m euros (£4.3m) in add-ons, but failed to consistently impress and fell down the pecking order at United.