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Paul Scholes slammed Manchester United winger Antony after the player attempted his trademark spin against Sheriff in last night’s Europa League clash.
Man Utd wrapped up qualification for the Europa League knockout phase with a game to spare, as Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo all found the net in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
However, much of the talk after the game was about Antony’s showboating.
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With the score locked at 0-0 the Brazilian winger picked up the ball in yards of space, and showcased his trademark double spin.
He then attempted to find team-mate Casemiro, but passed the ball out of play for a goal kick.
During BT Sport’s half time analysis, Man Utd legend Scholes berated the 22-year-old’s superfluous showboating.
He said: “If I was that number 61 [for Sheriff] I know what I would be doing. I don’t know what he’s doing there. It’s just ridiculous, it’s showboating.
“Look at that [Ten Hag’s bewildered reaction], that sums it up. What’s he thinking of? He’s not beating a man, he’s not entertaining anybody, it’s 0-0.
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“Then he kicks the ball out. That’s the way he plays, I’ve seen him do it many times for Ajax as well. That’s just the way he is but I think he needs that knocking out of him.”
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag hooked Antony at half time and after the game vowed to correct Antony’s habit of doing skills with little purpose.
Speaking to the press ten Hag said: "I don't have a problem with that as long as it's functional.
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"Also from him I demand more - more runs behind, more often in the box, more followers in and more tempo dribbles, especially, and more playing in the pocket.
"So, we demand more dominance in this game and when there is a trick like that, it's nice.”
The Dutchman added: “As long as it's functional, if you're not losing the ball and you're attracting players, then it's OK.
"But if it's a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him."
Topics: Antony, Manchester United, Paul Scholes, Europa League, Sheriff Tiraspol
Chris Byfield