But what went through Antony's head in the 37th minute of the match between Manchester United and Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League on Thursday evening?
While his team stumbled on a weak Moldovan formation (0-0), the Brazilian striker signed a completely new technical gesture consisting of spinning around the ball by performing two turns on itself.
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A fantasy as beautiful as it is improbable which certainly pleased the Old Trafford public but totally useless since the defender in front of him did not take the bait, remaining quietly in place and the pass which followed went lose in depth … But above all, the gesture could be interpreted as a lack of respect for the opponent, at a time in the game when Manchester United did not have to brag given the scoreless.
It's just ridiculous, it's to show off
Paul Scholes
Antony has also drawn the wrath of several consultants who have condemned this useless aesthetic audacity.
“It's just ridiculous, it's to show off.
Look at Erik ten Hag's reaction, that sums it all up.
It doesn't amuse anyone.
It is 0-0 and in addition he loses the ball behind
, ”said the emblematic ex-Manchester United player Paul Scholes.
Indeed, on his bench, the coach did not appreciate the adventure of Antony at all, who also gave up his place at halftime.
"It's embarassing.
It's even ridiculous.
He did that and then kicked the ball out of play. To do that with no one near him and then put the ball out of play… If I was the manager I wouldn't be happy
,” added the Welsh striker Robbie Savage.