Pep Guardiola's 'gesture' towards Antony speaks volumes as moment spotted in Manchester derby

Pep Guardiola’s ‘gesture’ towards Antony was spotted during the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Manchester United.

On Sunday, a brace from Phil Foden plus a goal by Erling Haaland cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s stunning long-range opener as City sealed a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

As a result, Guardiola’s men closed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just one point.

Meanwhile, United are left in sixth place, 11 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa as their bid for Champions League football took another hit.

During the match, it was spotted that Guardiola made a gesture towards Antony before the Brazilian entered the pitch.

As per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, who wrote on social media: “Guardiola, the man who is kind about those who are not a threat before they step onto the pitch, smiled and shook hands with Antony before he came on. Little wonder.”

Antony was brought on in the 75th minute for Rashford.

However, the Brazilian failed to make a positive impact and was branded as ‘a danger’ to his own team.

Luckhurst also wrote: “Antony has been on for two minutes, got the ball twice and been dispossessed twice.”

Antony

Since joining the Old Trafford club from Ajax back in 2022 for a reported fee of £86 million, Antony has largely struggled to impress.

To date, the 24-year-old has only nine goals in 71 appearances across all competitions.

This season, Antony has one goal and one assist to his name, which is way below par.

Speaking recently about Antony, United boss Erik ten Hag said: “Antony: I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities and he has great abilities. When he plays like I know from the past he is unstoppable, no defender can stop him because he's one of the quickest players in the first 10 yards.

“When he plays that game he will perform. I'm sure he will do for the future, I'm sure he is resilient, he is a character and he will fight back and I back him. He now has to wait for his chance and once he is there he has to pick up.”