Antony insists he "won't stop doing what got me to where I am" after being criticised for showboating on Thursday evening.
The Brazil international, 22, produced an eye-catching 720-degree spin during Manchester United's 3-0 win against Sheriff at Old Trafford. Yet he followed it up with a misplaced pass that left United boss Erik ten Hag frustrated with his £85million signing.
Antony has been accused of picking style over substance following the trick, with several pundits taking aim at the winger. One such pundit is legendary United midfielder Paul Scholes, who claimed Antony was "being a clown" and needed to change his behaviour.
Yet Antony isn't too concerned about the opinions of others. "We are known for our art," wrote Antony on Instagram on Friday. "And I won't stop doing what got me to where I am!"
Ten Hag signed Antony in September after working with the Brazilian at Ajax for two seasons. The pair won three trophies together in Amsterdam - including two Eredivisie titles - with the player becoming a senior international under the manager's tutorship.
Antony's price tag raised eyebrows when he arrived at Old Trafford, but he's since proven himself in the Premier League - scoring three goals in six appearances in the division. The youngster has shown plenty of skill, aggression and passion during his time in England.
What did you make of Antony's showboating? Let us know in the comments below!
Ten Hag substituted Antony at half-time against Sheriff and admitted he wasn't happy with his showboating, although he insisted the change wasn't because of his trick. "I don't have a problem with tricks as long as it's functional," said Ten Hag.
"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."
Scholes, though, believes Antony was hooked off for showboating. "I think it would have had a little something to do with it," the ex-midfielder told BT Sport. "You saw his reaction on the bench. I think it frustrated him. I just don't know what it achieves.
"I love a little bit of showboating, and entertainment but at least get the pass right. 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."
Scholes also said: "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."
Robbie Savage added on commentary: "It’s quite embarrassing actually. Doing that with nobody near him and then he puts the ball out of play... Embarrassing. What was the point? If I was the manager and he did that again, I would drag him off."
