This could be two subjects for the next philosophy baccalaureate: should the artistic gesture be useful?
Does shining for nothing before wallowing make you look ridiculous?
Since Thursday evening and the Europa League match between Manchester United and Sheriff Tiraspol (3-0), a controversy has swelled across the Channel after a technical action by Antony, the Brazilian right winger of Manchester United.
Thirty meters from the opposing goal, on the right side, Antony decides to spin like a top with the ball at his feet, twice in a row on himself without many people understanding why.
The crowd at Old Trafford ignite but within seconds the Brazilian completely misses his through pass.
All that for this.
Antony was also replaced at the break when the score was still 0-0…
đź”´ The Antony special is always a little eye candy that we love to taste.
pic.twitter.com/SS9NvOuoEM
– RMC Sport (@RMCsport) October 27, 2022
Already at Ajax Amsterdam, his previous club, Antony had already performed this gesture.
But in England, many have not tasted this personal and counterproductive initiative on the ground.
Like a great former Mancunian, Paul Scholes: "It's just ridiculous, it's sham, he protested.
Look at the reaction of Erik ten Hag the coach, that sums it all up.
It doesn't amuse anyone.
It's 0-0 and in addition, he loses the ball behind.
This country, any country, even Brazil doesn't want to see that.
I like to see skills and entertainment, I don't think it's skills or entertainment, it's just being a clown”.
Another elder, Owen Hargreaves, thinks the same thing: “One round is fine.
The second ?
We all want to see skill, we love it but it takes skill with utility.
We don't do that at 0-0.
We don't even do it when we win 3-0 or 4-0.
You have to show respect for the opponent.
»
Erik ten Hag, his trainer, also decided: “When there is a technical gesture like that, it is good as long as it is useful.
If you don't lose the ball, then it's OK.
But if it's a technical move to make a technical move, then I'll take it back.
I demand more from him.
More runs in the back, more presence in the area, more play in the last meters.
And therefore, implicitly, fewer sterile gestures.
Faced with this influx of criticism, Antony does not regret anything.
On the contrary: “We are known for our art and I will not stop doing what brought me to where I am!
“, he posted on his Instagram account.
