Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes described Antony as being a "clown" after showboating during the first half of the Reds' 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The Brazilian, who joined the club from Ajax on transfer deadline day at the very start of September, produced his trademark 'Anturny' move, where he drags the ball around on his left foot in a continuous circle, shortly before the half time interval. He followed it up by passing the ball straight out of play, over-hitting an intended pass for Diogo Dalot, who scored United's opener a few minutes later.
Although Antony vowed to bring entertainment to Old Trafford, it was a move that attracted a few groans from the crowd, as well as a scathing reaction from BT Sport co-commentator from Robbie Savage. The winger was taken off at half time and replaced by Marcus Rashford, although manager Erik ten Hag hinted after the game that it was always his plan to withdraw the 22-year-old at the break.
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Nevertheless, considering the scores were tied at 0-0 at the juncture when Antony decided to dive into his tricks cupboard, it was a very dubious decision, made all the more questionable by the shocking pass that followed it. Unsurprisingly, he was heavily criticised by former Reds ace Scholes for his decision-making, so much so that he was branded a "clown."
Scholes, speaking on BT Sport after the game, said: "I'm not even sure it's skill, is it? Could we [talking to Owen Hargreaves] do that?
"Is it his trademark? I think he needs a better one. He needs to find a more entertaining way.
"I don't think this country likes to see that. Does any country, even Brazil? Brazil don't want to see that, do they? Ajax, in Holland, do they want to see that?
"I like to see skill, but I just don't think that is skill or entertainment. That is just being a clown, isn't it?"
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