“I just don’t think it’s skill.”
Manchester United beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 last night in the Europa League, but with the game still at 0-0 Antony attempted some showboating, and Paul Scholes destroyed him for it.
The ex-Ajax star is famed for doing this bizarre 360-degree spin with the ball at his foot; an unusual piece of skill, but something that’s become a bit of a trademark for the United attacker.
During the Europa League tie, with the game still goalless, Antony received the ball in the right flank with acres of space, and used this opportunity to do not one, but two 360 spins – with no one around him.
What happened next is what really sent people over the edge, as he attempted to play a ball through but over hit it so that it span out of play.
The manager Erik ten Hag was visibly unimpressed with the lack of substance behind this ‘trick’ and former United star Paul Scholes didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts.
“You saw his reaction on the bench. I think it frustrated him (ten Hag). I just don’t know what it achieves. I love a little bit of showboating and entertainment, but at least get the pass right.
"Embarrassing!"
Antony does his trademark spin in acres of space and then puts his pass out of play… 🙃#UEL pic.twitter.com/P7SjcPqrUd
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 27, 2022
“This country, any country, even Brazil. They don’t want to see that do they? I like to see skills and entertainment, I just don’t think it’s skill or entertainment, it’s just being a clown.
“He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 then he kicks the ball out. That’s the way he plays. I’ve seen him do it many a time at Ajax as well and that’s just the way he is, but I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
Speaking on BT Sport’s live commentary last night, former Wales star Robbie Savage was equally mystified by Antony’s behaviour.
"It's not skill or entertainment, it's just being a clown!" 😂
Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves joke about who wants to see Antony's showboating antics… 👀
🎙️ @julesbreach pic.twitter.com/OL5a3pBMtK
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 27, 2022
“That for me is ridiculous,’ he said. ‘Because he’s done that and then put the ball out of play – embarrassing! 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.
“And you can hear the crowd – he’s trying to win a game, moving the ball quickly with nobody near him, and he puts the ball out of play! Embarrassing.”
Related Links:
- Teddy Sheringham says Roy Keane didn’t speak to him for three years at Man United
- Roy Keane could barely contain himself after one Gary Neville comment on Cristiano Ronaldo
- Rio Ferdinand concerned that Antony could follow a similar path to Jack Grealish
The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10
