Featured Image Credit: BT Sport
Topics: Manchester United, Antony, Europa League
Daniel Marland
Paul Scholes labelled Manchester United winger Antony a 'clown' after his showboating in Thursday's 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
The Brazil international was the talk of social media after receiving the ball just before halftime in United's penultimate Europa League Group E clash.
Antony busted out his trademark skill move, dragging the ball with his left foot in a circle before trying to send Diogo Dalot on his way.
He overhit the pass, however, which went straight out of play for a Sheriff goal kick. Antony had wowed everyone inside Old Trafford but failed to produce when it mattered most.
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United manager Erik ten Hag was visibly furious on the touchline, with the 22-year-old substituted for Marcus Rashford at the interval.
He later hinted it was always the plan to give Antony rest ahead of Sunday's clash with West Ham in his post-match press conference.
Former Red Devils midfielder Scholes didn't hold back during his appearance on BT Sport. He called Antony a 'clown' while echoing commentator Robbie Savage's view of the incident.
He asked: "I'm not even sure it's skill, is it? Could we [talking to former teammate 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?"
United took the lead just before halftime through a header from Dalot, his first goal of the season.
Rashford doubled the home side's lead with a header of his own past the hour mark after some neat work from full-back Luke Shaw.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was restored to the first team following his omission from the matchday squad against Chelsea, bundled home his third of the campaign nine minutes from time.
Ten Hag admitted at full-time he doesn't mind Antony's showboating, as long as it's serves a purpose.
"I don't have a problem with tricks as long as it's functional," he admitted per BBC Sport.
"I demand more from him - more runs behind, more often in the box and more playing in the pocket.
"When there is a trick like that, it's nice as long as it's functional. If you're not losing the ball, then it's OK - but if it's a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him."