Antony pulled out the tricks in Manchester United’s win over Sheriff Tiraspol – and not everybody was amused.
The Brazilian showcased his trademark 360 spin skill with the game scoreless in the first half, and unfortunately then passed the ball out of play after trying to play in Casemiro.
The reaction from the commentators was over the top, with Robbie Savage lambasting it as embarrassing.
Paul Scholes expresses outrage
Cut to the studio at half-time, and right on cue, former United midfielder Paul Scholes expressed his displeasure with what he had seen from the winger.
Scholes blasted: “I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s ridiculous.
“It’s showboating. But that’s the way he plays I’ve seen him do it at Ajax as well. I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
Antony was taken off at half-time, although this may have been more a case of managing his minutes, rather than in relation to his showboating. He has started every single game since joining the club.
Lighten up
Scholes and Savage’s criticism of Antony’s skill was a typical old school viewpoint. Manchester United fans in the stadium were audibly entertained by the showpiece.
This is also part of what you get with Antony, he is a skilful player, and we love to see it. His decision making will improve as he progresses with his career too.
He had a shot on target in the first half and created one opportunity. His trickery showed that he is an entertainer, the type of player fans pay to see.
Scholes is wrong to want to ‘knock it out of him’, it’s part of what makes Antony the player he is, and we hope he does it again.
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