Erik Ten Hag, Fred and Neymar have backed Antony against criticisms by Paul Scholes after spin tricks against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.
Antony made his usual stylistic turns in Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils went on to win the match, scoring three goals against the Moldovans, but Antony’s turns made the headlines attracting criticisms from popular pundit and former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.
Antony took to his social media handle to state that he will continue doing what brought him from his former club Ajax to Manchester United.
Antony’s social media post was seen as a reaction to critics who blasted his needless and countless scenes of the showboating.
It should be noted that Antony’s spin against Sheriff Tiraspol came when the match was still goalless.
This must has put off the Premier League and Manchester United legend who slammed the former Ajax forward for a pointless skill when the game was still barren.
Following the two drag-back-spins, Antony lost possession and this did not sit well with Paul Scholes who described him as a clown and should have been dropped off the pitch.
Paul Scholes was clearly unimpressed and believe the spins were unnecessary as Reds were still in search of an opening goal.
Antony was subbed off in the game at the end of the first 45 minutes. However the decision to substitute the youngster was unrelated to the showboating.
Meanwhile Brazilian team-mate and compatriot Fred has backed his fellow Brazil international after criticisms.
Fred described comments from Paul Scholes and Robbie Savage as ‘annoying’ and ‘unnecessary.’
According to him it is in the Brazilians blood to show their skills during games.
He traced the skill to Brazil legendary dribbler and football icon Pele.
‘It’s very annoying that they want to say that,’ Fred said.
‘I think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile.’
Fred maintained that people show understanding and there was nothing offensive in showing off as Antony did.
‘So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did’, Fred added.
Antony, 22, has also received support from Brazilian hero Neymar – who said ‘Keep it up, don’t change anything!’ – and Antony was also defended by his Man United boss Erik ten Hag after the game.
When questioned about the showboating, ten Hag said: ‘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.
‘So we demand more dominance in this game and when, now and then, there is a trick like that it is nice as long as it’s functional, you’re not losing the ball and it’s attracting players, then it’s okay. But if it’s a trick for the sake of a trick, then I will correct him.’
Man United will host London club, West Ham at Old Trafford in their next Premier League game before travelling to Real Sociedad for their final Europa League group stage game on Thursday.
Antony joined Manchester United as a club record signing from Ajax. He scored on his first three appearances for the Red Devils and has sharpened Manchester United attacking line-up.
Manchester United won the clash against Sheriff Tiraspol convincingly with goals from Dalot, Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The game against Real Sociedad will be a top-of-the-table clash to decide who wins the group.
Manchester United are closely following the La Liga club with 12 points after five matches.
Real Sociedad have won all their five matches garnering maximum 15 points to top the group.
