Erik ten Hag has said he was bound to correct Manchester United forward Antony if his showboating during their Europa League against Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday did not add anything to the game.
While Manchester United was still searching for their first goal during the game, it appeared Antony was more interested in entertaining the crowd by performing his trademark 360-degree drag-back spin move and kicking the ball out of touch.
The Brazilian has been slammed by some former Manchester United players such as legendary Paul Scholes and Robbie Savage, who described the act as embarrassing, childish and ridiculous.
Ten Hag was quizzed on how he felt about Antony’s showboating and the Dutchman told reporters, “I don’t have a problem with that as long as it’s functional.
“So from him, I demand more: more runs in behind, more often in the box, more tempo dribbles especially and more playing in the pocket.”
The former Ajax boss insisted that the trick must be functional for it to be acceptable, adding, “but if it’s a trick for the sake of a trick, then I will correct him.”