Antony’s ‘ridiculous’ showboating so bad it leaves Man Utd legend Paul Scholes seething
Manchester United star Antony left club legend Paul Scholes seething with his “ridiculous” showboating in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old Brazilian winger, who was signed from Ajax for £76million in the summer, pulled off a 720 degree turn with the ball in the first half of their clash with Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford, a skill move that he’s used repeatedly in his career.
He then over-played his subsequent pass to give United’s opponents a goal kick, with the score still 0-0 at the time. BT Sport commentator Ian Darke joked: “Look at that from Antony, that was out of Strictly Come Dancing, wasn’t it? He’ll be getting an invite.”
READ MORE: Man Utd’s Europa League opponents in turmoil after manager quit hours before clash
But it was no joking matter for Scholes, who said at half-time: “I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s just ridiculous. It’s showboating. What is he thinking? I think he needs that kicking out of him.”
Co-commentator Robbie Savage was equally unimpressed, saying at the time: “Well that for me is ridiculous because he’s done that and then he puts the ball out of play.
“Quite embarrassing actually, doing that with nobody near him and then he puts the ball out of play. If I was the manager I would not be happy.
Does Antony showboat too much? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: BT Sport)
“And you can hear the crowd. He’s trying to win a game, move the ball quickly, nobody near him and he puts the ball out of play. Embarrassing.”
Darke added: “It’s a strange one at nil-nil isn’t it.”
Erik ten Hag was indeed disappointed with Antony, whom he pushed to sign after leaving him behind at Ajax. The Dutch manager closed his eyes and shook his head as he sat in the dugout.
Fortunately, his mood was picked up as United went on to win 3-0. Diogo Dalot scored before half-time before second-half strikes from Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the victory, which secured their qualification to the knockout stage.
READ NEXT: