Antony was Manchester United’s match winner against Barcelona, scoring the decisive goal to seal a 4-3 aggregate win.
This was Antony’s first game back from injury. Had he been fully fit, he probably would have been selected as a starter.
The decisions from Erik ten Hag worked out superbly in any case. Antony gave United an injection of energy down the right, and allowed Bruno Fernandes to move into the centre.
His defensive work also cancelled out Alejandro Balde down the left, who had been a threat in the first half.
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Brazilian press react to Antony performance
Antony’s special moment was exactly the reason Manchester United paid big money to sign him from Ajax last summer.
His contribution earned praise in his homeland of Brazil, toasting his decisive contribution.
ESPN Brazil praised his strike for the winner, writing: “The Brazilian’s placed shot was beautiful,”, in their headline editorial, ‘Antony changes the game’.
Globo Esporte focused on Erik ten Hag’s praise of the winger, with the manager talking up his ‘fearless’ display.
Fred impact also praised
O Dia also reflected on the impact from Antony and fellow Brazilian Fred, while Metropoles also praised the winger’s ‘beautiful goal’.
Itatitia wrote: “The English relied on a good performance by the Brazilians to beat Barcelona.”
Describing the winner, the outlet wrote: “After Fred had the kick blocked, the ball fell to Antony, who didn’t waste it and completed the “Brazilian party” in Manchester.”
Sambafoot picked out Fred, writing: “The Brazilian midfielder is making history in the clash and puts his stamp on the history of this international classic.”
A Brazilian player had never scored for Manchester United against Barcelona. Now there are two to have achieved the feat.