Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has, on Thursday, provided his take on the widely scrutinised efforts of Antony Santos during the club’s latest outing.
The name of wide-man Antony, of course, has taken its place centre stage in the headlines across the continent this evening.
This comes after the Brazilian piqued attentions courtesy of the following piece of showboating during United’s Europa League meeting with Moldovan outfit Sheriff:
“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
The reaction to Antony’s actions has since proven to be altogether mixed, with stout defenders of the summer arrival at Old Trafford having questioned why he should not be allowed to express himself on the pitch.
Others, however, have torn into the 22-year-old in frankly ruthless fashion:
“It’s not skill or entertainment, it’s just being a clown!” 😂
Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves joke about who wants to see Antony’s showboating antics… 👀
🎙️ @julesbreach pic.twitter.com/OL5a3pBMtK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 27, 2022
Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle in his side’s 3-0 triumph on Thursday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the chatter surrounding Antony was put to manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United’s boss, though, has assured that as much was planned ahead of kick-off:
“It [the substitution] was more or less planned,” Ten Hag began. “I wanted to see Cristiano and Marcus Rashford closer together and I thought Garnacho was playing quite well.”
When pressed directly on Antony’s piece of ‘skill’, the Red Devils’ boss then backed his talented attacker to continue to express himself as he sees fit, so long as it is to the benefit of the team:
“I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional.”
“I will correct him” 👀
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has his say on THAT Antony skill 🔴⤵️ pic.twitter.com/HWNTZxCuNe
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 27, 2022
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