Robbie Savage has fired a warning to Manchester United star Antony following his controversial showboating in the Europa League against FC Sheriff.
The Red Devils’ maverick endured universal criticism during the midweek win over FC Sheriff for showboating before the deadlock was broken. With the scores at 0-0, Antony kept the ball glued to his left foot as he spun around in a circle, twice, while Manchester United were on the attack. But the Brazilian winger then overhit his pass to Casemiro as the ball went out for a goal kick.
Since arriving for £85million in the summer, Antony has turned heads for his eye-catching tricks and skills on the right flank. Comparisons have been made to a young Cristiano Ronaldo when he first graced the Old Trafford turf as an 18-year-old in 2003.
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However, United legend Paul Scholes labelled Antony “a clown” saying his latest showboat - which ultimately led to nothing - was disrespectful to the opposition. Savage, who was on commentating duty for BT Sport for the Europa League tie, went on a furious rant at Antony following the piece of skill, which he labelled 'embarrassing'.
The former midfielder has now doubled down on his criticism of Antony, telling the winger his time at United will be judged on his end product rather than his "circus tricks".
"As United's third-most expensive signing of all time at £82 million plus add-ons, Antony must deliver goals, assists and end product," he wrote in The Mirror. "Yes, some of the kids in the 73,000 crowd loved his spinning-top and I dare say some of them will be copying it in the playground or back yard.
"But United manager Erik ten Hag has promised to 'correct' Antony if his showboating serves no purpose in future, although he added: 'I don't have a problem as long as it's functional.'
"I'm sure Ten Hag would rather concentrate on his team replicating the intensity and tempo of their superb win against Tottenham, their resilience to find a stoppage-time equaliser at Chelsea - where they were the better side for long spells – and establishing his principles on the pitch.
"After the early-season horror shows against Brighton and Brentford, it looks as if the Ten Hag era is taking root. As for Antony, if his tricks are 'functional' - to use Ten Hag's word - he will stay in the team. But at Manchester United, wingers are judged on end product in the final third, not circus tricks."
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