Manchester United fans have thrown their support behind Antony following his controversial 'Anturny' piece of skill against Sheriff - and even want to see him perform the move again against West Ham.
With the scoreline in the Europa League tie level, Antony performed multiple spins - unchallenged - before smashing the ball out of play for a goal kick. Manchester United legends such as Paul Scholes slated the 22-year-old for his apparent disrespect to the opposition, while BT Sport commentator Robbie Savage went on a furious rant following the incident.
But it appears that United supporters were left impressed by the piece of skill and are now eager to see more of the same from the flamboyant attacker. Several fans have taken to social media following the Europa League tie to share their excitement at Antony's talents, with many backing him to repeat the piece of skill despite the backlash against him.
Following the incident, teammate Fred hit back at pundits for condemning compatriot Antony ahead of the clash against West Ham United. The midfielder has brushed off showboating as a “Brazilian quality” while taking aim at English players - and pundits - who cannot replicate the same flair.
“Brazilians have quality in their blood. It’s always been that way since Pelé, to have quality, to dribble, to score, to dance, to smile,” Fred told ESPN Brasil.
“So I think people have to understand this aspect that we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anyone what he did. It’s his game. I think he has to keep doing it. You want to do a spin that he likes to do, you have to do it. If you can dance, you dance.
“And I think people have to stop talking on television there, wanting to pull up a subject. In their countries, they don’t have players of the same quality who do that. I think it’s very annoying that they want to say that. They want to gloat over Brazil’s players.”
Here's what fans had to say on Twitter:
afiqhijazi
0
why ten hag we're is antony
he's injured not a serious one tho
Atom_Bomb
0
Do that again and again, and be on bench again and again. You are professional player, play like one. This isn't free-styler pitch. Glad that ETH dropped him from first 11. Now see who is this Boss.
rokkopsy
2
I love that skills and I will always love Antony to be doing dat,since we lost that talent for longtime
Muwbcknry
1
why ten hag we're is antony
Kinito_Kinny
2
It's only English football pundits who is criticising the skill when the rest of the world enjoyed it. The tricks and skills are the reason that makes the football a more beautiful game.
eggosa91
3
as good as Paul scholes I bet you he can't do this 👇( big boy Anthony) I don't mean to disrespect anyone ✌🏿
TanIsRed
0
I would like to see that again and again as well new ones 👍🏻
luoclnpu
0
score today and so it in front of the camera pls. followed by a fi ger to the lips. that would be great
pehbcdnoz
1
The only place a player can show off his skill is on the pitch live the boy alone
konbckmpty
0
It is that kind of attitude that saw England waste a generational talent like Glenn Hoddle! Just because he was skilful they called him Glenda which is the female equivalency of his name and treated him like he was rubbish. He had to go and ply his trade in French football where he was a legend. Growing up in England in the 70s and 80s as a person of colour every time we used outrageous school during a match or training session we were told off and threatened with not being able to play in the team if we did it again, this is why we don’t win world cups🙄
yabbdinort
2
what's wrong with that, he simply enjoy it....I'm impressed with that skill
tobailpsty
4
please Scholes we pay our money to be entertained . shut your mouth. Anthony please continue with the entertainment. I love you soooooo much
fukaelmnps
0
we enjoying the entertainment
yihckoy
0
come on bro you can do better we ❤️ it more and more 🥰
Yaoademno
0
Anthony is great, he has brought back life to the great club. Go Anthony go.
Vihabnopy
0
The so-called Legends of united give the guy chance
peobciklnr
1
I actually enjoyed his move those are the moves we want to be seeing in every game
NAFRIENDEM
3
yes boy do it again and make those two pundits ❤️ hurt them. Scholes and Savage can go to hell we the fans love it.
sisadeirz
2
I think it's not a big deal as football is also to entertain fans etc. it is a Brazilian thing and I admire individual skills in players. remember Ronaldinho stylish performance
yimacdln
1
if that move resulted into a goal then the talk will be different, the reason why I always open ronaldihno clips.
SylvesterSylvester
3
come on boy nice to see that again keep on moving