Manchester United legend Paul Scholes tore apart the Red Devils’ winger Antony for his ‘showboating’ against Sheriff in the Europa League. The former Ajax winger, who was brought in by United for a massive fee of £86 million this summer, has only contributed 3 goals in 11 games so far this in all competitions. The fans have been enraged by his dull form, and he only annoyed them with another drab outing against a low-ley Sheriff side.
Antony created just one chance, won a tackle and completed zero dribbles, put in zero crosses and was dispossessed twice during his time on the pitch. On top of that, he attempted his famous ‘spinning dribble’ which had no outcome as his subsequent pass went nowhere but out of play for a goal-kick. Erik ten Hag evidently irked by his winger’s needless show-off, subbed him out at the half-time for Marcus Rashford who got on the score-sheet as well in the 65th minute.
Scholes tears apart Antony, Ten Hag vows to correct the Manchester United winger
Big things are being expected from Antony at Old Trafford, since Manchester United forked out a whopping amount to acquire his services. However, after some early flashes the Brazilian has been ineffective for majority of United’s games. Sheriff was another outing where the 22-year-old was expected to flourish, but he had nothing significant to offer. And the ‘spin’ just piled on the misery with fans, pundits and even his manager Ten Hag not being happy with it. Meanwhile, Scholes had a go at Antony for his antics as he told BT Sport after the game:
“If I was at No.6, I know what I’d be doing. It’s just ridiculous, it’s showboating. He [Antony] is not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, but that’s just the way he is. I saw him do it at Ajax as well and it’s the way he is, but he needs that knocking out of him.
“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?”
Scholes, who made 714 appearances for United throughout his career clearly didn’t hold back his frustration against the winger, as this was not the first time he fired shots at the Brazil international. The legendary midfielder has slammed Antony earlier as well for such showboating and pointless skills. It seems until and unless the winger produces something out of his skills and, the 11-time Premier League champions is not going to hold it back.
On the other hand, Ten Hag too was not pleased with his summer acquisition’s pointless show as he even took him off at the half time. He put Rashford in the fray and the change did prove to be more effective as the forward doubled the lead just after the hour mark. The United gaffer however had to face the questions over subbing-off his expensive winger at the half-time in his post-match presser. Ten hag was asked whether he took-off Antony for his ‘spin’, the Dutchman explained:
“No. It [Antony’s substitution] was more or less planned. I wanted to see Cristiano and Marcus Rashford closer together and I thought Garnacho was playing quite well. I don’t have a problem with that [Antony showcasing skills] as long as it’s functional and he’s not losing the ball, he’s attracting players then it’s ok. We demand more from him, and when there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional. But that was a trick [for a trick’s sake] and I will correct him.”
Manchester United cruised past Sheriff as goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo who returned to action after a snub against Chelsea, earned the Red Devils a ticket to the knockouts. However, they are likely to finish second in their group which means they will first have contest a ‘Round of 32’ play-off against one of the 8 teams dropping down from Champions League to make it to the Round of 16 in the Europa League. Their penultimate group game comes against Real Sociedad, who blanked the Devils 1-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture.