Watch: Ten Hag’s seriously displeased reaction to Antony’s showboating

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did not look pleased as Antony showboated during the 3-0 Europa League victory over Sheriff Tiraspol.

Antony has a reputation as something of a showman. The Brazil international demonstrated his ‘spin skill’ in a video posted on social media shortly after reuniting with his former Ajax boss at Old Trafford.

Midway through the first half against the Transnistrian minnows, Antony pulled out the skill, rotating 720 degrees while in acres of space, before passing the ball out of play.

Ten Hag substituted the 22-year-old at the break, although he said this was a pre-planned substitution if United were leading, and not a response to the audacious act of showboating.

“I don’t have a problem with tricks as long as it’s functional,” said Ten Hag, speaking after the match.

“I demand more from him – more runs behind, more often in the box and more playing in the pocket.

“When there is a trick like that, it’s nice as long as it’s functional. If you’re not losing the ball, then it’s OK – but if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”

Those words tally with Ten Hag’s reaction on the sideline. The Dutchmen looked utterly fed up by Antony’s trick, rolling his eyes.

And the Red Devils boss isn’t the only one that was unhappy about the skill.

“I’m not even sure it’s skill, is it? Could we [talking to Owen Hargreaves] do that?” responded United legend Paul Scholes from the BT Sport studio.

“Is it his trademark? I think he needs a better one. He needs to find a more entertaining way.

“I don’t think this country likes to see that. Does any country, even Brazil? Brazil don’t want to see that, do they? Ajax, in Holland, do they want to see that?

“I like to see skill, but I just don’t think that is skill or entertainment. That is just being a clown, isn’t it?”

"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

via @btsportfootball pic.twitter.com/7syTVPRZLh

— utdreport (@utdreport) October 27, 2022

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