
“Manchester United” successfully qualified for the Europa League play-offs, but the game was not entirely without controversy.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal grabbed the headlines on his return to the team, but the first-half incident drew criticism for his tackle on winger Antoni. doing his trademark “spin” trick.
With the game still scoreless, the Brazilian collected the ball in an acre of space, made two 360-degree spins, then miscued a pass that shot into the net.
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New hair, same tricks.
Anthony will make his signature at Old Trafford. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/ZdvjHP3iQV
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 27, 2022
Predictably, the double spin caused a stir as fans on social media and pundits at the studios debated whether it was good or bad for a player to reveal the game on the field.
Antony’s spin might be the most pointless piece of skill I’ve ever seen.
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) October 27, 2022
Antony’s 360° rotation trick is very interesting. Breathing is pointless. Apparently, it’s not too difficult why in the first place. However, he loves doing it and seems to have no intention of stopping. Wonderful.
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) October 27, 2022
Roy Keane watching Anthony spin in training pic.twitter.com/KAGDkM70rH
— No Context Keaneo (@NoContextKeaneo) October 28, 2022
“Grow up a little…” 😳
Ian Holloway says: “Antony’s art is ‘unnecessary nonsense’ 🔊🔛 pic.twitter.com/eVRfppv28d
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 28, 2022
🤷♂️ Jamie: “People bashed Antony. I don’t mind!”
😳 Jason: “At Sheriff’s House in the Europa League. You cost £80m!”@Mrjamieohara1 & @jasoncundy05 not agree #MUFCAntony goes swimming against the Sheriff! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KSjnnsU3qB
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) October 27, 2022
Even Antony’s rotation was nowhere close to being the most meaningless ‘productivity’ of a United winger, largely thanks to the efforts of one Andrei Kanchelskis.
Antony’s spin isn’t the most pointless skill from a man playing on the right wing for Manchester United.pic.twitter.com/CDPfAVbjjr
— Adam Herry (@FootballCliches) October 27, 2022
When releasing player ratings for the game, ESPN’s own Rob Dawson gave Anthony a disappointing score of 4/10 after failing to make much of an impact on the sheriff beyond his viral frippery.
Antony always had to spin and even had to show it when he joined the club and United in the summer. Posting the admired clip through their official social media channels.
3️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ repeat 🌀@Antony00™️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gFWFTJHVd0
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2022
A number of prominent pundits have spoken out against former United midfielder Paul Scholes and Sheriff after witnessing the attack. Blaming Antony for his beautiful legs calling the trick “ridiculous”. Former United alumnus Robbie Savage also slammed the 720-degree carousel as a “disgrace” while commentating on the game.
But it was also noted that Scholes’ assessment was somewhat clouded by bad memories of South African midfielder Skara Ngobese. doing the same trick directly in front of him During United’s 2008 friendly against Kaizer Chiefs.
This is why Scholes hates Anthony’s spin because he fell victim to it when United played in South Africa 😂 https://t.co/chnGclI4c9
— andil.99 (@AndileMhlabane) October 28, 2022
Anthony was ruled out against Sheriff, but United boss Erik ten Haag later claimed the transfer was pre-planned and due to the Brazilian’s general lack of impact on the night at Old Trafford.
– I don’t have this problem [the spin] if it’s going to work,” the Dutchman said after the game. “And I’m going to demand more from him — more running in behind, more running in the box, more follow-up and more pace dribbling, and especially more in the pocket.
Ten Haag explained that Antony was replaced due to a lack of intensity, but also promised to “adjust” the 22-year-old’s bag of tricks at the right time and place.
“We need to dominate this game more and when there’s a trick like that, it’s good. If it’s functional, if you don’t lose the ball and you’re attracting players, then it’s fine. But if it’s a trick. For a trick, then I don’t like it. I will fix it.”
Of course, the reaction to Antony’s rotation has reignited old debates about where the line lies between genuine flair and unnecessary showmanship when it comes to attacking football. Many creative players — many of them Brazilian — have done their own stunts over the years.
Neymar and Florentino again 👀@PSG_English || #UCL pic.twitter.com/6PH4POkLHx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 19, 2022
In fact, we have to look no further than Neymar to take it “sombrero“ (swiveling the ball up and down, over the opponent’s head) at an early age and soon made it his own.
Neymar is a rainbow 🌈@PSG_English | #UCL pic.twitter.com/MBLzxbaRQE
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 31, 2021
The star of Paris Saint-Germain is also partly one “Rainbow” holding the ball in both of his heels and using them to arc the ball over his marker.
Cap, elastic, white or snake bite❓
🇧🇷 Ronaldinho trademark change 😎@10Ronaldinho | #UCL pic.twitter.com/dRjYEwTMq5
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 11, 2022
Used by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho among others “elastico“or” flip flops has been a key part of the Brazilian side for many years.
Excellent skill 💫
A BOSS no help ❌👀
The class is over ⚽️Bobby and @GWijnaldum combined to a great effect 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vSTdW26OJr
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 5, 2019
Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has decorated himself as the epitome of dishonesty. “deserted passage.”
✨ Las mejores CROQUETAS sobre el terreno de juego las hacia @andresiniesta8.
🤤 Spoiler: There is no DELICIA video. #DiaInternationaldelaCroqueta pic.twitter.com/ZsV2w1aKyl
— LaLiga (@LaLiga) January 16, 2021
Andres Iniesta, who is famous for his dexterity on the ball, improved the game “croqueta“ — quick movement of the ball between his legs, allowing the former Barcelona midfielder to weave through the gaps between defenders.
Kerlon’s seal dribbles were impressive but rarely finished well pic.twitter.com/NwR3ryT4rj
— James Dart (@James_Dart) May 20, 2020
Perhaps the most famous of all signature tricks “seal drop” Brazilian forward Kerlon performed. The ball bounced up and was juggled off the forehead before a typically angry defender too aggressively put a stop to the proceedings.