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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Ricky Charlesworth

Antony's exuberant celebrations after debut Man United goal and other moments missed v Arsenal

Antony's exuberant celebrations

It's safe to say Antony enjoyed his first goal in a Manchester United shirt.

The new arrival from Ajax was making a quickfire debut and it took him just 35 minutes to open his Old Trafford account with a superbly-taken curled finish. It sparked some of the most vivid celebrations this famous old ground has seen in many a year.

The 22-year-old passionately grabbed the United badge and pointed to it effusively. There was also a tiger roar to the camera and he even stuck the ball up his shirt as he well and truly made the most of the moment.

It not only earned the Brazilian a ticking off from referee Paul Tierney but saw Arsenal's Granit Xhaka confront him for appearing to mock the Arsenal fans in the corner of the stadium.

Read more: How United players rated in win over Arsenal

Dalot's blushes spared

Arsenal thought they had taken a quick lead when Gabriel Martinelli produced a fine finish to beat David de Gea.

At first glance it looked a legitimate goal but only until VAR intervened, highlighting a potential foul in the build-up on Christian Eriksen by Martin Odegaard.

Thankfully for United, Tierney reversed the decision after looking at the pitchside monitors. In doing so he got United full-back Diogo Dalot out of jail. The Portuguese was exposed and pushed up far too high, giving Martinelli a head start which he gleefully took advantage of.

Ten Hag's anger with fourth official soon subsides

A foul by Albert Sambi Lakonga on Bruno Fernandes earned the ire of manager Erik ten Hag in the first half.

The Dutchman was not happy at what he perceived to be a racking-up of persistent fouls on his players. Such was his fury that he gave fourth official Simon Hooper more than an earful, as picked up by the cameras.

Just minutes later though the pair were all smiles after Antony's opener helped thaw relations. Hooper appeared to be highlighting the role in the goal played by the fact Tierney waved advantage despite protestations over the aforementioned foul. Both him and Ten Hag saw the funny side of it.

Martinez's impact grows

Lisandro Martinez seems to grow in confidence game-by-game and the United fans are quickly warming to the man nicknamed 'the Butcher' during his Ajax days.

Again his partnership with Raphael Varane showed promising, if not perfect, signs and when Martinez had to be substituted with 10 minutes to go there was a hushed feel among the majority of the crowd, hopeful that it was more of a precaution rather than a serious injury.

He was given a brilliant ovation upon his departure and after the full-time whistle went he was one of the first over to two-goal hero Marcus Rashford. After being chastised in his opening weeks at the club, the Argentine is now quickly becoming a fans' favourite.

Fernandes' thanks to the referee

Bruno Fernandes went and tapped ref Tierney on the back as if to show his appreciation following the opener by Antony.

That was because Tierney allowed United to play the advantage despite Fernandes being on the end of what looked a clear foul. Lo and behold just seconds later the ball was in the net.

Before going over to celebrate with his teammates, the Portuguese had a little word with the man in the middle. Presumably, it was to thank him for letting play continue.

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