Antony has vowed to keep strutting his stuff despite criticism for his haughty 720-degree spin during Thursday night’s Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol.
Legendary Red Devils player Paul Scholes called the Brazilian a “clown” after he demonstrated the move during a match that Manchester United eventually won 3-0 on the strength of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, and Marcus Rashford.
On Friday, Antony reaffirmed his expressive style of play on social media, vowing that he “won’t quit” doing what earned him an £85.5 million transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
‘We are known for our art,’ the winger wrote on Instagram. ‘And I won’t stop doing what got me to where I am!’
At halftime, Erik ten Hag hooked Antony off, but he did not specifically say after the game whether or not it was due to his showboating.
When asked on BT Sport if Antony’s failed showmanship contributed to his decision to substitute him, Ten Hag responded:
‘More or less planned”, the coach said ‘If we are up, I wanted to see Cristiano and Marcus Rashford close together on the right side and that’s one of the reasons.’
‘I thought Garnacho was playing quite well on the left side and he had good tempo dribbling. It was more or less planned.’
After the game, Scholes criticized the Brazilian’s actions, calling him a “clown” and said that he “needs something smacked out of him.”
‘I think it frustrated him,’ the former United midfielder remarked. ‘I’m just not sure what it does. I enjoy some fun and showmanship, but at least get the pass right.
‘Does that benefit anyone at all? Does that benefit him in any way? Even with a 4-0 lead, I’d have to question him, “What does that do for you?”
‘This nation, any nation, even Brazil. Do they really not want to see that? Although I enjoy watching entertainment and skills, I don’t consider clowning to be either of those things.’
On Sunday at Old Trafford, West Ham will be the opponent for Antony and Manchester United. It will be interesting to see him try his spinning skill once again.
Antony
Brazilian professional footballer Antony Matheus dos Santos, better known by his stage name Antony, was born on February 24, 2000. He now plays as a winger for Manchester United of the Premier League and the Brazil national team.
After graduating from the So Paulo academy, Antony made his professional club debut in 2018. In the summer of 2020, he relocated to Ajax, where he played for two seasons and won two Eredivisie championships and a KNVB Cup.
Due to Antony’s success in the Netherlands, Manchester United paid the highest amount ever for an Eredivisie player: €95 million (£82 million).
At the 2020 Summer Olympics, Antony won a gold medal with the Brazil under-23 squad. He subsequently scored in his senior international debut.
Ten Hag on Antony’s showboating
Erik ten Hag stated that if Manchester United forward Antony’s showboating during their Europa League match against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday did not improve the game, he was obligated to correct him.
Antony was more focused in entertaining the audience by doing his signature 360-degree drag-back spin move and booting the ball out of touch while Manchester United was still looking for their first goal of the game.
Some former Manchester United players, including the famous Paul Scholes and Robbie Savage, have criticized the Brazilian, calling the behavior embarrassing, juvenile, and absurd.
When asked about his thoughts on Antony’s showboating, Ten Hag responded to reporters by saying, “I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional.
“So from him, I demand more: more runs in behind, more often in the box, more tempo dribbles especially and more playing in the pocket.”
In order for a trick to be accepted, the former Ajax manager stated that it must be useful. However, he added, “but if it’s a trick for a trick’s sake, then I will correct him.”
