Fred fires back in detailed fashion on the criticism of Antony’s showboating vs Sheriff
Antony has been the subject of criticism after his showboating during Manchester United‘s 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the UEFA Europa League.
Towards the end of the first half, the former Ajax man – who moved to Old Trafford for £85 million in the summer – performed the now famous ‘Antony spin’ by the touchline, before putting the ball out of play with a poorly-directed pass.
Robbie Savage and Paul Scholes were quick to slam the United forward over the skill move, the latter labelling it “embarrassing” while on commentary duty with BT Sport.
In the wake of the criticism aimed at Antony, who was taken off at half-time by Erik ten Hag on Thursday, various players have publicly defended him – including Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.
Neymar’s Instagram post about Antony
🇧🇷 Neymar via IG: “Keep it up, nothing changes! Boldness and Joy ❤️” pic.twitter.com/3me9cjE6Pc
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) October 28, 2022
He wrote in an Instagram story which contained a still image of Antony’s skill: “Keep it up, nothing changes! Boldness and Joy.”
Well said, Neymar. Football is about entertainment at the end of the day and if Antony wants to bring out his trademark move during a match, so be it.
Another Brazilian who has spoken about the criticism aimed at Antony is United midfielder Fred – and he’s fired back in detailed fashion when asked about the furore surrounding his teammate at club and international level.
Fred’s thoughts on the Antony skill debacle
He told ESPN: “It’s very annoying that they want to say that. I think it starts with us being Brazilians. Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pele, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile.
“I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. It wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did. Of course, if it’s offensive, we’ll come to him in the dressing room and talk. But it was not offensive to anyone. It’s his game. I think he has to keep doing it.
“Dribbling, doing what he [Antony] likes to do because he has the quality for it, so he has to keep doing it. Casemiro and I don’t have the quality for that, so we can’t do it.”
Let’s be honest, he’s bang on the money there.
Antony was not trying to humiliate anyone or cause offence, he was simply doing what he usually does best.
Had the youngster produced an accurate pass after performing the spin, it’s highly likely there would have been no backlash whatsoever.
At the end of the day, there are bigger things to worry about in football than a piece of skill that didn’t go according to plan…
