MY ACCOUNT
Neymar has jumped to the defence of Manchester United winger Antony and told his fellow Brazilian to ignore critics of his showboating.
Former Ajax star Antony faced scrutiny after performing a double spin on the right wing during United’s Europa League game against Sheriff on Thursday.
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes said it was an example of Antony “being a clown”, given the pass he subsequently played to Casemiro had too much weight and ran out of play for a goal kick.
An alternative take might be that Antony disorientated the Sheriff players and almost delivered a killer ball behind the opposition defence as they stopped and stared.
Antony justified his piece of close-control skill by stating it was in his Brazilian nature, saying: “We are known for our art and I will not stop doing what brought me to where I am.”
The clever dragging of the ball was not effective on this occasion, but Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar wants to see Antony continue to showcase his flair on the field.
There could be more of it to come on a bigger stage when Antony and Neymar head to the World Cup with Brazil in November.
Neymar wrote in an Instagram message: “Keep it up, don’t change anything. Go for it kid, daring and joy.”
United manager Erik ten Hag substituted Antony at half-time in the Sheriff game, with his team 1-0 ahead.
When asked if Antony was replaced because of his antics, Ten Hag said: “No. It was more or less planned if we were up. I wanted to see Marcus and Cristiano close together, and the dynamic on the right side.”
Antony became United’s most expensive signing of the last transfer window when he arrived from Dutch champions Ajax in a deal worth around £85million.
