MANCHESTER UNITED new boy Antony was hooked at half-time by Erik ten Hag after being slammed for “embarrassing” showboating against Sheriff.
The Brazil star, 22, has pulled off his spin trick on a number of occasions, more recently in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
He tried it again in the 2-0 win over Sheriff, this time pulling off a 720-degree spin, with no defender anywhere near him.
Antony then proceeded to completely misplace a through ball towards Casemiro harmlessly out of play.
His unprompted trickery didn’t impress boss Ten Hag, who was seen shaking his head on the bench, with the scoreline still goalless.
Ex-pro Robbie Savage, whose son Charlie is on the books at Old Trafford, labelled the deadline day signing “embarrassing” on BT Sport commentary.
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While United legend Paul Scholes was equally unimpressed.
Scholes, who won 11 Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues at Old Trafford, said: “I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s ridiculous. It’s showboating.”
Speaking on BT Sport after full-time, he added: “I don’t know what that skill achieves. Even before that, he did nothing in the game. I think he needs a more entertaining skill.
“When you’re three of four-nil up, maybe.
“I don’t know if that’s skill or entertainment. That’s being a clown.”
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Diogo Dalot eventually netted the opener for dominant United just before the break.
But it wasn’t enough to save £85.5million summer Antony as he did not re-emerge onto the pitch after the break, replaced by Marcus Rashford.
Ten Hag insisted Antony substitution was NOT down to his showboating.
The Dutchman told BT Sport: “No. It was more or less planned if we were up.
“I wanted to see Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo close together and the dynamic on the right side.”
Rashford went on to score United’s second before Ronaldo netted a third on his return from exile.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
