Manchester United's young Brazilian winger Antony made the headlines on Thursday night after a rather peculiar attempt at a skill move went wrong - much to the ire of ex-United man Paul Scholes.
With the end of the first half drawing nigh during United's home Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol, Antony received the ball from Diogo Dalot and pirouetted twice on the ball before misplacing his through ball back to Dalot.
The 22-year-old would be brought off at half-time and, in the BT Sport studio, former United man Paul Scholes was hugely unimpressed at what he called "showboating", saying that Antony "needs a better" trademark skill move.
Antony: Paul Scholes slams United man for needless skill
Signed for an exorbitant fee over the summer from Ajax, Brazilian starlet Antony has surprised fans and football pundits with his impressive performances thus far for Manchester United. Goals against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Everton have contributed to a solid start to his time in Manchester.
He did nothing to endear himself to United great Paul Scholes on Thursday night, however.
Damien Delaney not having Antony's tricks. 😂#MUNSHE | #UEL pic.twitter.com/X40NFuU46Q
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 27, 2022
During his time at Ajax, Antony became known for his 360 degree spin when in possession. Though it has made a few appearances since he made the move to United, he has largely kept it under wraps. On Thursday, however, he cracked out a double pirouette in the team's Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol, before losing the ball with a poorly crafted pass.
Speaking on BT Sport's coverage of the game, United great Paul Scholes was asked for his take on the attempted skill from Antony, and he was scathing:
It's just ridiculous, it's showboating.
He's not beating a man, he's not entertaining anybody, but that's just the way he is.
If I was at 6, I know what I'd be doing. I saw him do it at Ajax as well and it's the way he is, but he needs that knocking out of him.
We saw the manager's reaction on the bench. He was not impressed and I just don't know what it achieved.
The fans love a bit a showboating, but what does that achieve? You have to ask Antony.
I'm not even sure it's skill, is it? Anyone can do that - is that his trademark? I think he needs a better one. I like to see skill and entertainment, but that's not skill or entertainment. That's just being a clown.
Erik Ten Hag refuted theories that Antony was subbed off at half-time as a result of his showboating, saying that the substitution had been planned in advance of the game.
United would go on to win the game 3-0, with goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, and the returning Cristiano Ronaldo giving the side a chance of topping their Europa League group. Doing so would be crucial, as it would allow the team to avoid the likes of Barcelona and Juventus, who are dropping down to the competition from the Champions League.
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