It's a moment of seemingly delicate but actually unnecessary show-off tricks.
In the early hours of 28 October, Manchester United's 3-0 win over Sheriffs Tiraspol in the Europa League, the score was still 0-0 as the game entered 38 minutes into the first half. Manchester United striker Anthony suddenly spun a 720-degree spin ball in place like a top after scoring the ball on the right side, facing the defender of the Tiraspol Sheriff team three meters away from him. However, such a work was useless, because Anthony followed a straight pass and passed the ball directly off the line.
Although United eventually won the Europa League 3-0, at almost the same moment, Anthony's showmanship immediately drew a backlash from online and pundits, while his team-mates defended him.
"To me, it's ridiculous. Anthony showed off and then kicked the ball away, which was really embarrassing. Former Wales international Robbie Savage said in a BT Sports review.
"If I were the manager, I would be very upset. You want to win the game and move the ball fast, but there is no catch around the perimeter, and then pass the ball straight off the line. Isn't it embarrassing. What's the point? If he does it again, I'll drag him away. ”
Manchester United manager Eric Tenhach replaced the winger at half-time, although he later clarified that the decision was "more or less planned" and was meant to give Marcus Rashford a chance to play with the returning Cristiano Rodo.
"I don't think there's a problem with this kind of show-off." Eric Tenhach said after the game. "When there's a trick like that, as long as it works, it's good. If you don't concede the ball and you attract players, that's okay – but if it's purely just a trick, then I'll correct him. ”
Brazilian-born Anthony Mateus dos Santos joined Manchester United in 2022 for a total transfer fee of €100 million as a right winger.
But that anger continued Friday, prompting Anthony to issue a statement defending himself. "We're known all over the world for our skills, and I'm not going to stop doing what I can!" He wrote on Instagram.
The Brazilian and his national teammate Neymar joined in, writing on Instagram: "Keep it like this, don't change anything! Go ahead young and pursue your courage and joy. ”
Meanwhile, experts such as former professional footballer Ian Holloway have criticized his "impudent" tricks. "I didn't even know what he was thinking," Holloway told Sky Sports. "Totally unnecessary. You know, what you practice on the training ground is not the same as playing outside, you have to be realistic. ”
Anthony's Manchester United team-mate Diogo Dalot acknowledged the criticism, telling Sky Sports that "there will always be some discussion behind some faults. He (Anthony) missed the pass, but if the pass passes and Casemiro is in a good position, he may have an assist or score.
"It's just part of his game and we're excited to have him."