
Manchester United successfully qualified for the Europa League knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, although the game was not entirely without controversy.
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the scoring in his return to take the trophy, but a crash in the first half saw the Anthony winger draw criticism for seemingly showboating by by making the keyboard “spin” trick.
With the game still goalless, the Brazilian collected the ball in acres of space, the space through 360 degrees twice and then to skip the pass, which went directly to the kick.
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New hair, same trick.
Anthony draws his signature at Old Trafford. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ZdvjHP3iQV
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) on October 27, 2022
Notably, the double spin caused something of a stir as fans on social media and pundits in the studio debated whether a player expressing himself on the pitch before carelessly releasing possession was good or bad.
Antony’s weapons were just the most empty skill that I saw in my life.
– Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) on October 27, 2022
Antonius 360° lures to spin tricks. A futile gasp. It probably isn’t even very difficult at first. And yet he clearly loves doing it, and seems to have no intention of stopping. Excellent.
– Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) on October 27, 2022
Roy Keane seeing Anthony webs in training pic.twitter.com/KAGDkM70rH
— No Context Keane (@NoContextKeaneo) on October 28, 2022
“Come up a little…”
Ian Holloway says Anthony was a master of “silly nonsense” pic.twitter.com/eVRfppv28d
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) on October 28, 2022
🤷♂️ Jamie: “People kicked Anthony saying he’s ashamed- I don’t know!”
😳 Jason: “At home sheriffs in the Europa League. They cost £80m!”@Mrjamieohara1 & @jasoncundy05 disagreement #MUFCAnthony showing off against the sheriff! pic.twitter.com/KSjnnsU3qB
– talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) on October 27, 2022
It also shows that Antony’s weapons were not far removed from the other side of the most subtle “technique” by the wings who played for United, the great work of one Andrei Kanchelskis.
Antony’s weapons are not even an empty skill from someone who played on the right wing for Utd Monpic.twitter.com/CDPfAVbjjr
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) on October 27, 2022
While complaining about his player ratings for the game, ESPN’s own Rob Dawson awarded Anthony a disappointing score of 4/10 after he failed to make much of an impact against Sheriff beyond his viral rant.
Antonio worked out a spin and made a point of his arrival at United over the summer with the club posting or admiring the public on their social media through clip channels.
3️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ in repeat@Antony00™️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gFWFTJHVd0
– Juventus (@ManUtd) September 1, 2022
A number of high-profile pundits have voiced strong opinions after seeing the charade against Sheriff, with former United midfielder Paul Scholes quick He liked to criticize Antony for his footwork calling the trick “ridiculous.” Former United alumni member Robbie Savage also slammed the 720-degree carousel as “uncomfortable” when handling the game.
However, it was also indicated that Scholes’ assessment could be somewhat clouded by the bad memories of South African midfielder Scara Ngobese. this very trick directly before him by the Prime Minister of Britain brought back the friendship against the leaders of the Kaizer in 2008.
That’s why Scholes hated to hear from Antonio that he was a victim when United played in South Africa 😂 https://t.co/chnGclI4c9
— andil.99 (@AndileMhlabane) on October 28, 2022
Anthony was subbed off at half-time against the Sheriff, although England head coach Eric Haag insisted that the switch was set up later and insisted that the Brazilian captain’s lack of responsibility was more the impact of the night at Trafford.
“It’s not a problem to have [the spin] as long as needed,” said Holland after the game. “Also, I ask more from him – more runs back, more often in the box, more followers and more time, especially, and he plays more in the pocket.
Ten Haag explained that Antonio was replaced due to a lack of intensity, although he also vowed to introduce the 22-year-old flame “correctly” around the time and place in his technical tour.
“Many things dominate in this game and when there is cheating like that, it’s nice. As long as it’s a role, if you don’t lose the ball and attracting players, it’s good. But if it’s cheating because of cheating, I’ll correct him.
Of course, the reaction to Antony’s webs has stirred up the old debate about the line between genuine shrewdness and unnecessary display when it comes to attacking football. Many creative players – many of them Brazilian – have done their trick over the years.
Neymar & Florentino again@PSG_English || #UCL pic.twitter.com/6PH4POkLHx
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 19, 2022
Indeed, look no further than Neymar who adopted him “sombrero“ He is at a young age and has just made his mark.
Neymar bow snap@PSG_English | #UCL pic.twitter.com/MBLzxbaRQE
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 31, 2021
Paris Saint-Germain is also partial to . “flick bow” catch the ball between the two kickers and use them to arch the ball over their target.
Flip flap, elastic, akka or snakebite❓
Ronaldinho move the keyboard@10Ronaldinho | #UCL pic.twitter.com/dRjYEwTMq5
– UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 11, 2022
Used by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho among others, the “elastic” or “flip-flap” It has been a staple of the Brazilian party for many years.
Brilliant art
Master, no look would help
Class goalGaius and @GWijnaldum a great composite effect pic.twitter.com/vSTdW26OJr
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 5, 2019
Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has carved himself quite the corner as the main exponent of shamelessness “Non-face to pass.”
Las mejores CROQUETAS sobre el terreno de juego las hacía @andresiniesta8.
Spoiler: in this video you are one DELICIOUS. #DiaInternacionaldelaCroqueta pic.twitter.com/ZsV2w1aKyl
— LaLiga (@LaLiga) January 16, 2021
Andres Iniesta finished with remarkable skill on the ball “croquette“ – a quick transfer of the ball between the legs that allowed the former Barcelona midfielder to shoot through the gaps between the defenders.
Kerlon’s seal is impressive, but it rarely ends well pic.twitter.com/NwR3ryT4rj
— James Dart (@James_Dart) May 20, 2020
It was perhaps the most infamous signature trick of all “seal drop” by Brazilian forward Kerlon. The ball was bounced and tossed around in front, as usual until a passionate defender too aggressive to act put an end to it.