logo
logo
Manchester United's Antony during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday October 2, 2022.

Watch: Man Utd’s Antony humiliates defenders in insanely skilful dribble

Manchester United were far from their best in last night’s 3-2 victory away to Cypriot side Omonia, but fans were treated to one particularly dazzling run from the club’s Brazilian summer signing Antony.

Whilst at Ajax, Antony had established a reputation as a skilful winger in the mould of his compatriots Ronaldinho and Neymar, and he’s certainly living up to his billing so far.

Erik ten Hag was expecting to rotate thoroughly for the trip to Cyprus to play Neil Lennon’s Omonia, but he fielded a strong line-up, bringing in Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo while once again calling upon Antony, Jadon Sancho, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes following Sunday’s chastening 6-3 defeat in the Manchester derby.

One consolation from the loss to Manchester City was a brilliant long-range striker from Antony, his second goal for the Red Devils after notching on his debut against Arsenal last month.

And he took the opportunity against lesser opposition to give another taste of what he can offer.

Antony’s most eye-catching moment came shortly after the half-hour mark while the game was still goalless.

Receiving the ball deep in Omonia’s half, he pulled off a wonderful feint to turn before pulling off a tidy bit of skill that sent his marker for a hotdog.

The Brazil international then took his opportunity to drive into open space, doing brilliantly to regain his balance after being knocked to the ground, before running past another Omonia player.

Eventually, he made it close to the box, eventually cutting back inside and winning a free-kick with a quick bit of footwork.

However, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes wasn’t especially enamoured with Antony’s display.

“He was right about the wingers being static,” the United legend said on BT Sport, agreeing with Ten Hag’s post-match assessment.

“Sancho never really runs in behind. He needs a fast left-back really or a centre forward to link up with and he hasn’t really got that at the moment.

“Antony on the other side as well, he doesn’t run in behind. He seems to be a bit of a one-trick pony.

“He’s always cutting inside and either passing back to the full-back or having a shot. You’re thinking he needs to develop a little bit. It’s still early days for him, we know that.”

Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Antony Martial scored all three of United’s goals in the second half after they went into the break a goal behind. They completed the job and took three points, but will look to perform better when they face Everton on Sunday.


READ NEXT: Antony & the 18 other Man Utd debut scorers in the Premier League era