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      Man Utd star Fred slams ‘annoying’ critics of Antony’s showboating and jokes he’s jealous of fellow Brazilian’s talent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Fred has jumped to the defence of his teammate Antony after the winger was criticised for showboating.Antony, 22, was mocked by pundits when he attempted his signature spin midway through United’s Europa League clash with Sheriff on Thursday.
      Antony was criticised for his signature skill on ThursdayCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Pundits slammed him for showboatingCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      With nobody around him, the Brazil international completed two spins with the ball at his feet before passing it out of play.
      The trick sparked outrage from numerous pundits, including Man Utd legend Paul Scholes who said: “I don’t know what he’s doing. It’s ridiculous. It’s showboating.”
      Ex-Liverpool star Robbie Savage echoed the claims, labelling the Brazilian “embarrassing”.
      United boss Erik ten Hag wasn’t best pleased with the trick either as he hauled the former Ajax star off at half time.
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      But, Antony has vowed to continue showboating despite the criticism.
      In a statement on Instagram, he wrote: “We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has since defended his teammate, stating that it’s “his game”.
      When speaking to ESPN about the reaction, he said: “It’s very annoying that they want to say that.
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      “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.
      “So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So 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 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.
      “I think those who have quality have to show it on the pitch there. If you want to control differently, you can control. 
      “You want to do a spin that he likes to do, you have to do it. Dance, you can dance. As long as it’s with respect to the opponent, obviously.”
      Man Utd went on to win the Europa League clash 3-0 thanks to goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Fred has defended AntonyCredit: AFP More

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      Antony responds to Paul Scholes and showboating critics as Man Utd ace says ‘I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!’

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      ANTONY says he won’t stop showboating despite a warning from his boss and criticism from pundits.The Manchester United winger did a 720-degree spin with the ball during Thursday night’s 3-0 win over FC Sheriff before attempting a pass that ran out of play.
      Antony insists he will continue to do tricks after last night’s spin against SheriffCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

      Paul Scholes was critical of Antony’s showboating during the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1580667643425853440
      It brought cheers from the crowd but derision elsewhere.
      But responding on Instagram with a video of the moment, Antony said: “We are known for our art and I won’t stop doing what got me where I am!”
      The £85million summer signing, also sporting a new peroxide blonde hair do, performed the trick with the game still goalless in the first-half and was subbed at the break.
      After the game manager Erik ten Hag said he did not mind a ‘trick’ on the field as long as there was an end product.
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      On this occasion there was none, and when the camera panned to Ten Hag after Antony’s antics he could be seen rolling his eyes.
      Ten Hag said: “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.”

      No-nonsense pundit and United legend Paul Scholes was certainly having non of it.
      Scholes said: “What is he thinking? He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0 and then he kicks the ball out. 
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      “But that’s the way he plays, I’ve seen him do it many times for Ajax as well and that’s just the way he is, but I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
      BT co-commentator Robbie Savage was equally unimpressed with what he saw.
      Savage said: “He’s done that then puts the ball out of play. It’s quite embarrassing actually. Doing that with nobody near him and then he puts the ball out of play.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo worse than EVERY other player in Europa League in one key area, shocking stat reveals

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been revealed to be the worst performing player in the Europa League in one key metric. The Manchester United forward has seen the majority of his minutes this season come in the Europa League, with two goals to his name in the competition.
      A shocking stat has emerged regarding Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Reuters
      However, amid his frustrating season it has been revealed that Ronaldo is the least clinical finisher in the tournament.
      As revealed by WhoScored, Ronaldo has missed five clear-cut goalscoring opportunities in the Europa League this season, more than any other player.
      It means that if Ronaldo had taken these chances he could see himself with a record of at least seven goals instead of just two.
      Ronaldo had three glorious opportunities to add to his and United’s tally against Moldovan Champions FC Sheriff.
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      The first saw Bruno Fernandes – who leads Premier League players for open play attacking sequence involvements in all competitions – head the ball into his compatriots path, only for Ronaldo to mis-hit the effort.
      The second saw Ronaldo actually volley the ball into the back of the net before he was deemed to have strayed offside – which left the legendary forward fuming.
      The third saw him fed the ball in acres of space just outside the Sheriff area.
      He was able to turn and drive towards goal, jinking to the right to open up the space for a shot, before unbelievably firing his strike high and wide of the goal.
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      He finally got his goal in the 81st minute as he reacted first to a rebound from his own header.
      Ronaldo was restored to the team after being banished to the reserves by Erik ten Hag for refusing to come on as a sub during the 2-0 win against Tottenham.
      Ten Hag left Ronaldo out of the team entirely for the trip to Chelsea, but with his return it gives the Dutchman a much needed attacking option off the bench going into their next game against West Ham.
      Meanwhile, Ten Hag has vowed to “correct” Brazilian winger Antony after his bizarre showboating antics during the Sheriff game. More

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      Erik ten Hag vows to ‘correct’ Man Utd star Antony after hauling him off at half time following showboating gone wrong

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      ERIK TEN HAG has vowed to “correct” Antony following the Brazilian’s spectacular fail after pulling off his trademark skill.The £85million signing’s double spin backfired in Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Sheriff on Thursday night when he immediately put the ball out of play.
      Manchester United winger Antony whipped out his trademark double spin skillCredit: BT SPORT
      But he ended up being slammed after immediately passing the ball out of playCredit: ALAMY
      Erik Ten Hag was less than impressed and has vowed to ‘correct’ AntonyCredit: REX
      That proved to be one of his final involvements in the 3-0 victory at Old Trafford as Ten Hag hooked him at half-time and replaced him with Marcus Rashford.
      Ten Hag was less than impressed, saying: “I do not have a problem with that, as long as it is functional.
      “So from him, like everyone else, I demand more. More runs behind, being more often in the (opposition’s) box.
      “More pressing. More dribbles against opponents. More playing in the pockets. We demand more dominance.
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      “Then there is a trick like that which is nice, but as long as it is functional and you do not lose the ball. Then it is OK.
      “But it is a trick and because of the trick, I will correct him.”
      United legend Paul Scholes was annoyed by Antony’s antics, saying: “ “If I was that number 61 I know what I would be doing.
      “I don’t know what he is doing, it is just ridiculous. It is showboating, he is not beating a man, he is not entertaining anyone.
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      “It’s 0-0 then he kicks the ball out of play. Look that’s the way he plays I’ve seen him do it many a time at Ajax as well.
      “That’s just the way he is but I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
      Former Red Devil Owen Hargreaves chimed in by saying: “If you’re going to do it, the final pass has to be good. You can’t kick it out.
      “At 0-0 you don’t really do that, you don’t even do that when you are three or four goals up, you’ve got to show some respect to the other team.
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      “I guess sometimes players just want to show their skills but you need to be functional with it and if you kick it out, I don’t think that helps either.”
      Antony and his Manchester United team-mates will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming West Ham to Old Trafford. More

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      ‘I’m shouting at the TV’ – Arsenal legend Martin Keown slams THREE Gunners stars for horror role in PSV defeat

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      ARSENAL legend Martin Keown has slammed three Gunners stars for their horror performances in the 2-0 Europa League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.Goals by Joey Veerman and Luuk De Jong saw off Arsenal and put the Dutch side within touching distance of the group table-toppers.
      Arsenal made a mess of PSV’s second goal on a sloppy night in HollandCredit: Getty
      The Gunners failed to secure top spot of their Europa League groupCredit: PA
      Arsenal legend Martin Keown has slammed three players for their part in PSV’s secondCredit: Getty
      But for PSV’s second goal, in particular, three players have attracted criticism from club great Keown.
      Left-back Kieran Tierney was left to mark big man De Jong from the corner, Aaron Ramsdale mistimed his punch while centre-back Rob Holding failed to make an intervention.
      Keown fumed on BT Sport: “Why is (Kieran) Tierney picking up De Jong? I’m shouting at the TV – Ramsdale goes for a big haymaker he should be going with a straight arm.
      “I’m not sure why Tierney is going against him (De Jong). Holding should’ve helped him out.”
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      Despite being top of the Premier League after 11 games played, squad depth could be Arsenal’s downfall.
      Keown says depth is “not quite there”, however, as SunSport revealed, boss Mikel Arteta wants to bring in at least two new faces in January to help sustain the title charge.
      The ex-centre-back continued: “I don’t want this to derail his team – five people missing and five subs on.
      “Strength in depth not quite there but as long as they can learn from that, they’ll use this as fuel going into the Forest game.”
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      Arteta’s plan to field a near-full strength side in order to top the group and avoid a preliminary Europa League knockout tie failed.
      Should Arsenal fail to wrap up the group with a win against Zurich next week, they face the prospect of playing the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and possibly Atletico Madrid in the round-of-32. More

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      Man Utd verdict: Garnacho shows skills that can turn him into a household name as even Cristiano Ronald is impressed

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      FIRST there was a bear hug from Cristiano Ronaldo seconds before kick–off.Around 14 minutes later one of the greatest players the game has ever seen was applauding Alejandro Garnacho with gusto.
      18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho impressed on his full debut against SheriffCredit: Getty
      For a budding new star had just announced himself at Old Trafford, the 18-year-old making his first start for Manchester United.
      And if he carries on as he did against Sheriff, he’ll become a household name one day too.
      Before Erik ten Hag took over as manager in the summer the club’s coaches had been talking up the kid over the two years since he was bought from Atletico Madrid for £420,000.
      There will be plenty talking about him now.
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      That applause from Ronaldo came after the Spanish-born attacker with no fear in either foot cut in from his left wing starting spot and went past right back Renan Guedes like he didn’t exist.
      His low cross to the near post would easily have been turned home by CR7 had it not been for a desperate clearing lunge a yard out.
      Still, the supporters, most of whom had heard of this feisty youngster with a look of Ryan Giggs but never watched him in action, were off their seats.
      For they knew a good thing when they saw it.
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      Garnacho, while capped at U18 level by Spain, switched to Argentina, the country of his mother’s birth.
      And the Argies know a good thing when they see it, too.
      For while he has so far been capped only at U20 level, he has already been training alongside Lionel Messi and the rest of those who next month start their World Cup bid.
      He made his first team debut in the Prem last season, playing the last minute of a 1- 1 draw with Chelsea before getting 11 minutes against Crystal Palace.
      Ten Hag put him on for a few more minutes against Sheriff in Moldova as United won 2–0 and before that he played the last 19 minutes of the 1–0 home defeat to Real Sociedad.
      Slowly, but very surely, the Dutchman is introducing the teenager who last season won his club’s coveted Jimmy Murphy Trophy and grabbed two goals as United beat Nottingham Forest to lift the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2011.
      In the moments leading up to this Europa League clash ten Hag was asked if the occasion was not a great opportunity for Garnacho to continue his education.
      But he replied : “This is not a pitch for learning.
      Ronaldo supported the starlet on a wholesome Europa League night at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      “When you are picked for this team you have to show that you are ready and that you can play in this environment.”
      Garnacho very much showed he is ready, feisty and ever willing to show the trickery that even has an ice man like ten Hag warming to him.
      Early in the second half he waltzed around defenders having killed dead with the outside of his right foot a ball that looked to be going out of play.
      It was he who started the move from which Ronaldo thought he had killed the game before his 62nd minute volley as ruled out.
      At the start of this season he swapped his No75 shirt for No49.
      The No7 currently worn by Ronaldo will surely become vacant before long, given that while he was brought back into the fold last night after walking out on his team.
      Ten Hag will be happy to see the back of him – next summer or maybe even in January.
      That will leave United’s iconic shirt up for grabs – the one worn by George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
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      Don’t be surprised is Garnacho is wearing it next.
      Certainly few of those who gave him a standing ovation when he was replaced 12 minutes from the end will be More

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      Man Utd ratings: Christian Eriksen controls tempo in Sheriff win but Antony well off pace as he’s hooked at half-time

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      MANCHESTER UNITED eased past Sheriff at Old Trafford as Ronaldo finally got his comeback goal.They now need to win by two goals or more at Real Sociedad next week to top the group.
      Christian Eriksen was sublime as United controlled proceedings in the 3-0 winCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s team had the lion’s share of possession as they dominated the Europa League clash and walked away 3-0 victors.
      United left it late in the first half but they finally managed to find a breakthrough thanks to a Diogo Dalot header.
      They had been overwhelming in control – thanks mainly to a fine Christian Eriksen – but a number of shots were speculative and gilt-edged chances few and far between.
      The second half was a similar story – but Marcus Rashford made it two with a guided nod.
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      Then Ronaldo got his redemption as he reacted first to a save and finally found the back of the net.
      Here is how Alex Cole saw the performances of the Man Utd players against Sheriff…
      David de Gea – 7/10
      May as well have been reading the paper for most of the game. A professional as usual.
      Tyrell Malacia – 7
      Flew forward at times to join the attack.
      The Dutchman wasn’t required to do too much defending but played well.
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      Lisandro Martinez – 6
      Not much can be said for the Argentine. Had a knock about before coming off for Maguire just after half time.
      Victor Lindelof – 7
      Tidied up well. Did what he needed to.
      Diogo Dalot – 7
      Got the breakthrough goal a couple of minutes before half-time – headed in from close distance from a corner.
      Came off for Shaw in the second period.
      Christian Eriksen – 8
      The Dane played quarterback from the pocket of the midfield. Found Dalot’s head from a whipped corner to put United one up.
      Seemed to have the ball with every alternate touch the Red Devils took. Controlled proceedings.
      Casemiro – 8
      Played deep to allow Eriksen and Fernandes to go forward. Was smashed in the mouth with an elbow 20 minutes in.
      Switched for McTominay in the second-half.
      Antony – 6
      The winger’s performance was as electric as his platinum blond hair.
      But a dazzling piece of skill in the 36th minute was too much of a showboat for 0-0, especially after he put the ball straight out.
      He was hauled off at half-time after his ridiculous spin move with Ten Hag furious.
      Bruno Fernandes – 6
      Tried to curl one in from distance with half an hour gone but just flashed wide.
      A reasonable day at the office.
      Veteran Ronaldo celebrated a full 90 minutes and a goal in his return to the teamCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo – 8
      Huge wave of anticipation in Old Trafford when he first got the ball.
      Headed just over the crossbar in the 13th minute. Missed a sitter in the 27th from point-blank range.
      Was desperate for a goal and came close a few times, including a strike given offside. The 37-year-old booted the ball away in anger afterwards.
      The veteran eventually found the back of the net late on when he reacted quickly to a save.
      Alejandro Garnacho – 8
      Good run by the Spanish-born youngster – tipped to make Argentina’s World Cup squad – within the opening minutes.
      The 18-year-old looked lively. The crowd loved him. A fun performance from Garnacho.
      Showed Ten Hag what he’s about.
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      SUBSTITUTES
      Marcus Rashford (for Antony 46) – 7
      Glorious header for United’s second goal. Lively.
      Harry Maguire (for Martinez 46) – 6
      Fans cheered his first touch after coming on for the second half and looked solid. Booked harshly in the 84th minute.
      Luke Shaw (for Dalot 62) – 7
      Assist on Rashford’s header in a decent run-out.
      Scott McTominay (for Casemiro 62) – 6
      Came on for Casemiro and looked solid if unspectacular.
      Donny van de Beek (for Garnacho 78) – 7
      A rare showing for the forgotten man, albeit from the bench. Did his chances of another game no harm. More

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      Man Utd 3 Sheriff 0: Cristiano Ronaldo scores on Red Devils return after Ten Hag talks as Dalot and Rashford also net

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      CRISTIAN0 RONALDO shot the Sheriff, now he’s back to being the deputy.His goal in the 81st minute came after a night of personal toil that looked like ending in another blank.
      Ronaldo grabbed his third goal of the season in his first start after clear-the-air talks with Ten HagCredit: Getty
      Dalot opened the scoring for Man Utd before half-timeCredit: EPA
      Rashford doubled United’s lead as a second half substituteCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo’s persistence paid off as he finally got the goal his performance deservedCredit: Getty
      His persistence would pay off.
      But he knows that come Sunday and the home Premier League game against West Ham he will be back on the bench.
      That’s just how it is nowadays.
      Which could explain his frustration last midweek that lead to his shameful actions when he refused to come on as a substitute late in the 2-0 win over Tottenham.
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      Banished to train on his own, he was axed from the game against Chelsea at the weekend, but manager Erik Ten Hag was ready to forgive if the player showed some contrition.
      So he was back in last night grabbing the third goal in a comfortable win that ensures United’s progress into the next stage of the Europa League.
      They travel to San Sebastian next week for a duel with Real Sociedad to decide who will top the group and avoid having to play in the first knockout stage.
      It had looked like being a frustrating occasion for Ronaldo as he missed chances he used to tuck away in his sleep.
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      In the first period, Victor Lindelof fired a ball to Bruno Fernandes who nodded down for Ronaldo to get the close-range touch needed to score.
      He didn’t get any touch, completely missing the ball with Sheriff captain Stjepan Radeljic diverting it towards his own goalkeeper.
      In the second-half with the ball at his feet on the edge of the area Ronaldo sent his marker the wrong way to get a yard of space but curled the shot high and wide with the top corner beckoning.
      The sighs that greeted it were more of sadness than anything. The player stood there hands on hips, the Streford End chanting “Viva Ronaldo” to try and lift him.
      Whatever he does now the faithful will never forget what he did before.
      Which is why when he did find the net there was jubilation.
      Bruno Fernandes provided the cross, Ronaldo powered a header goalwards – which the keeper saved – but he was alert to convert the rebound.
      United had opened the scoring just before the break.
      Christian Eriksen’s delivery of a ball really is exceptional.
      He said on the eve of this game that he had not joined United just as a squad player and he is proving as central to Ten Hag’s plans as any other player in Red.
      The inswinging corner he fired over on 44 minutes was Beckhamesque and it just needed a touch which Diogo Dalot provided with his head sending the ball flashing past visiting goalkeeper Maxym Koval.
      Rashford came on at the break to partner Ronaldo and was on the scoresheet on 65 minutes thanks to a superb header from 18 yards out as he met fellow sub Luke Shaw’s clipped cross.
      Elsewhere on the night there was fine performance from 18-year Alejandro Garnacho on the left flank on his full debut. He is definitely one for the future.
      Ronaldo’s best days maybe in the past, but as Thursday night showed he still has that eye for goal.
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      Even if come Sunday it will have to be from the bench.
      Presuming he wants to come on.
      Sheriff failed to register a shot More