Antony hits back at critics, 'I won't stop doing what got me to where I am!'

Antony says he "won't stop doing what got me to where I am" after he received a hefty amount of criticism for performing his 720-degree spin on Thursday.

The tricky Brazilian, who joined Manchester United in a £85 million deal from Ajax this summer, has made a promising start to life at Old Trafford – although his trademark skill against Sheriff in the Europa League received mixed reviews.

And when I say mixed, the majority of pundits, including former United midfielder Paul Scholes, were far from impressed with his decision to showboat with the scoreline at 0-0.

"I like to see skill, but I just don't think that is skill or entertainment," Scholes said on BT Sport. "That is just being a clown, isn't it?"

Former Premier League manager Ian Holloway went on to label Antony's skill as "disrespectful" and "unnecessary nonsense".

He told Sky Sports: "Was it relevant? Was it needed? He will be getting a flea in his ear. To the other players it’s disrespectful. I don’t even know what he’s thinking, unnecessary nonsense.

"Practice that off the pitch, on the training ground but when you go out there you’ve got to be realistic.

"He gave the ball away two seconds later, kicked it straight out so come on. He’s had a great start. I don’t know him, obviously his manager does know him and he won’t put up with that and neither will the other players.

"It’s disrespectful and it’s silly. Grow up a bit."

"Embarrassing!"

Antony does his trademark spin in acres of space and then puts his pass out of play... 🙃#UEL pic.twitter.com/P7SjcPqrUd

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 27, 2022

Many fans and pundits have ripped into Antony for his actions in Thursday's Europa League clash and now, the Brazilian has hit back with a strong statement of his own.

He posted the video of his 720-degree spin against Sheriff on his Instagram story alongside the caption: "We're known for our art and I won't stop doing what got me to where I am!"

This isn't the first time Antony has responded to critics over performing skill moves. Back in February, the Sao Paulo academy graduate spoke to Dutch publication De Telegraaf about the negative reaction.

He said: "I don't care what other people think about it. No matter what people say, I remain focused. Even Jesus, who was perfect, couldn't please everybody. So who am I to please everybody?

"Some people love my tricks, some people don't like it. I find them functional and I do them because I want to show my opponent that I am the boss. And very often it leads to an assist or goal."

Antony was brought off at half-time during the convincing 3-0 win at Old Trafford, but United manager Erik ten Hag has since denied it was the reason behind the substitution.

"I don't have a problem with tricks as long as it's functional," said Ten Hag. "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."