Man Utd summer signing Antony has vowed that he “will not stop” showboating despite being criticised by several pundits on Thursday night.
Antony signed for United in the summer for Ajax for a fee that could rise to around £85m with add-ons.
He came with a bit of a reputation, with some likening him to former Man Utd winger and Portugal international Nani.
The summer signing has largely impressed since making his move to United but he has been criticised in recent hours.
This came after he showboated in the first-half of United’s game against FC Sheriff in the Europa League.
Antony spun while in possession of the ball with no one around him. Very little would have been made of this had this action led to a goal but he then passed it straight out of play.
The Brazilian was dragged off at half-time but Ten Hag claimed post-match that this sub was “more or less planned” before kick-off.
Club legend Paul Scholes has slammed Antony in the aftermath as he has called the winger a “clown”.
Ten Hag defended his player on Thursday evening but he wants Antony to be “functional”.
“I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional,” Ten Hag said.
“Also from him I demand more: more runs behind, more often in the box, more followers in and more tempo dribbles, especially, and more playing in the pocket.
“So, we demand more dominance in this game and when there is a trick like that, it’s nice.
“As long as it’s functional, if you’re not losing the ball and you’re attracting players, then it’s OK.
“But if it’s a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him.”
Antony has now broken his silence himself and he has promised to carry on expressing himself.
“We’re known for our art and I’m not going to stop doing what got me where I am,” Antony wrote on Instagram.
Former Premier League manager Ian Holloway has sided with Scholes on this debate as he has argued that Antony needs to “grow up”.
“Wow,” Holloway told Sky Sports.
“Was it relevant? Was it needed? He would be getting a flea in his ear, to be honest.
“It’s disrespectful, I don’t even know what he is thinking. Unnecessary nonsense.
“Practice that off the pitch, on the training ground, but when you go on there you have got to be realistic.
“He gave the ball away two seconds later, kicked it straight out so come on.
“He has had a great start, I don’t know him, obviously his manager knows him. His manager wouldn’t put up with that, and neither would the other players.
“It’s disrespectful and it’s silly. Grow up a bit.”
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