Fred was fast to defend his Manchester United and Brazil teammate Antony who got here below hearth for showboating in opposition to Sheriff within the Europa League.
- Winger did trademark spin in first half
- Was substituted at half-time
- Fred insists he should maintain entertaining
WHAT HAPPENED? Regardless of a cushty 3-0 win – which included a aim for Cristiano Ronaldo on his return – Antony was the topic of a lot dialogue on a productive night at Outdated Trafford. Important criticism was aimed on the 22-year-old for a quite pointless pair of 360-degree spins below no stress from opposing defenders – with Paul Scholes even referring to him as a “clown” – and Erik ten Hag confronted questions on his showboating after the match. Fred was then quizzed in regards to the incident in an interview with ESPN and he was defiant in his assist of his buddy and teammate.
WHAT HE SAID: “I believe it begins with us being Brazilians,” the United midfielder stated. “Brazilians have high quality of their blood. It’s all the time been that means since Pelé, to have high quality, to dribble, to attain, to bounce, to smile. So I believe individuals have to grasp this facet that now we have. So it wasn’t offensive to anybody what he did. After all, if it’s offensive, we’ll come to him within the dressing room and discuss. However it was not offensive to anybody. It’s his recreation. I believe he has to maintain doing it.”
Requested how he felt about pundits like Scholes criticising Antony for the trick, Fred added: “It’s extremely annoying that they need to say that.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The principle facet that annoyed many supporters, pundits and onlookers was the shortage of a good finish product to observe Antony’s showboating; he harmlessly handed the ball straight out for a aim kick after pulling off the spin.
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WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY? Regardless of being substituted quickly after, Ten Hag revealed that he was all the time planning to take off his big-money signing. He’ll possible retain his place within the beginning XI for the go to of West Ham on Sunday afternoon.