Antony caused a stir after being accused of showboating in Manchester United’s match against Sheriff on Thursday evening.
The Brazilian was in the starting lineup for the Europa League clash at Old Trafford. He got the home crowd on their feet after producing two of his famous spins with no one around him in the first half. But Antony then put the ball out of play after trying to find Casemiro.
Erik ten Hag did not look too impressed as he rolled his eyes and shook his head. Antony was subbed at half-times shortly after.
VIDEO: Antony showboats in Man United vs Sheriff
Antony did this spin in 37th minute, Erik ten Haag substituted him at HT.
No nonsense manager 😂
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) October 27, 2022
Who has criticised Antony for showboating?
Robbie Savage was fuming with Antony while commentating on the match for BT Sport.
“That is ridiculous. He’s done that and then put the ball out of play. Quite embarrassing actually. There was no one anywhere near… what is the point? And to top it all off he then puts it out his play. If I was the manager and he did that again, I’d drag him off.”
Paul Scholes slammed the 22-year-old.
“I don’t think this country likes to see that. Does any country, even Brazil? Brazil don’t want to see that, do they? Ajax, in Holland, do they want to see that?” He said on BT Sport, per Manchester Evening News.
“I like to see skill, but I just don’t think that is skill or entertainment. That is just being a clown, isn’t it?”
While Erik Ten Hag did not openly criticise the winger but vowed to ‘correct’ him.
“I don’t have a problem with tricks as long as it’s functional,” said Ten Hag, who also managed Antony at Ajax.
“I demand more from him – more runs behind, more often in the box and more playing in the pocket.
“When there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional. If you’re not losing the ball, then it’s OK – but if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”
Antony hits back at critics
Antony has now taken to social media to hit back at those that have criticised him for showboating. He posted a video of the moment on his Instagram story alongside a caption, which translated to English as: “We’re known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me to where I am!”
📸 Antony on Instagram: "We're known for our art and I won't stop doing what got me to where I am!" #mufc pic.twitter.com/dyZ2GgJNYx
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 28, 2022
Antony clearly isn’t going to stop doing the trick that he has made his trademark. The Brazilian superstar will likely feature when United take on West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Whether Antony performs his trademark trick remains to be seen.