Cristiano Ronaldo tried and failed to repeat the eye-catching double pirouette spin with the ball that his Manchester United teammate Antony pulled off three days earlier.
Antony performed the extravagant spin during United’s three-goal win over FC Sheriff Tiraspol in Thursday’s Europa League action. The Brazilian drew criticism from critics as he subsequently played the following pass – directed towards Casemiro – straight out of play.
However, it appears that the move is viewed somewhat differently within United’s squad as Ronaldo attempted the spin in the pre-match warm-up ahead of his side’s clash against West Ham in Sunday’s Premier League action.
During the home side’s warm-up routine at Old Trafford, Ronaldo received the ball before performing a 360-degree spin with it at his foot. However, the Portuguese superstar failed in his attempt to bring the ball under his spell – as Antony had done so successfully three days earlier – and could be seen laughing as the ball trickled away from him.
Antony was ruled out of the clash against the Hammers due to injury, with United boss Erik ten Hag explaining that is "not too bad" and thinks he will be back in "a couple of days" – giving hope that the Brazilian will be back in time for Thursday’s trip away to Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
Ten Hag said of Antony’s in-match skill after the encounter against Sheriff: “I do not have a problem with that, as long as it is functional. So from him, like everyone else, I demand more. More runs behind, being more often in the (opposition’s) box. More pressing. More dribbles against opponents. More playing in the pockets. We demand more dominance.
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“Then there is a trick like that which is nice, but as long as it is functional and you do not lose the ball. Then it is ok. But it is a trick and because of the trick, I will correct him.”
BT Sport co-commentator Robbie Savage fumed of the incident: "If I was a manager I'd drag him off." Pundit Paul Scholes added: "I don't know what he's doing. It's ridiculous. It's showboating. But that's the way he plays I've seen him do it at Ajax as well. I think he needs that knocking out of him."
Antony’s absence from United’s line-up against the Hammers saw Ronaldo restored to the starting XI for a Premier League clash with Anthony Elanga starting on the right-side of United’s attack and Marcus Rashford on the left.
