Antony: Erik ten Hag explains decision to substitute Man Utd star after ‘spin skill’
The Brazilian produced an unusual piece of skill before losing possesion and was subsequently removed at the break in the 3-0 victory over Sheriff
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Erik ten Hag insists Antony’s half-time substitution was “more or less planned” despite the Brazilian’s spinning skill in the first half of the 3-0 win over Sheriff.
The United winger picked up possession in the 38th minute, dragging the ball around his body for two full turns before passing the ball straight out of play for a goal kick.
Robbie Savage described the move as “embarrassing”, with Paul Scholes insisting, “that’s just being a clown”.
Antony was taken off at half-time with Marcus Rashford entering the game, and Ten Hag revealed the decision was mostly due to a preconcieved idea to change the team’s shape, while also admitting he was more impressed with Alejandro Garnacho’s performance.
“It was more or less planned,” Ten Hag said. “I wanted to see Cristiano and Rashford close together, it was one of the reasons.
“And Garnacho was playing quite well, so it was good to see. It was more or less planned.”
While Scholes maintained it played a part in Ten Hag’s decision, while questioning what the piece of skill achieved with no Sheriff player close by.
“I think it had something to do with it,” Scholes said. “It frustrated him, I don't know what it achieves, I love a bit of showboating, entertainment. Does it do anything? I don't know what it achieves?
“Even before that, he did nothing in the game. I'm not sure it's skill. I don't think that's skill or entertainment, that's just being a clown.”
Owen Hargreaves was more sympathetic, but urged Antony to be skillful in order to beat an opponent.
He said: “What's he going to do? We love skill, we all love that, it needs to be skill with function, to do it like that with no effect. I'm not sure what he's trying to achieve. I want to see it closer to somebody.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments