Although the match wasn’t entirely controversy-free, Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol allowed them to advance to the Europa League’s knockout round.
While Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal on his team’s comeback made headlines, winger Antony was criticised for allegedly showboating by pulling off his signature “spin” move during a first-half altercation.
The Brazilian retrieved the ball in wide open space with the game still scoreless, spun around twice in one motion, and then misplaced a pass intended for a goal kick.
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The double spin naturally sparked some commotion as viewers on social media and experts in studios discussed whether it is good or bad for a player to express himself on the field before foolishly giving away possession.
It was also noted that, primarily because of the work of one Andrei Kanchelskis, Antony’s spin isn’t even close to being the most meaningless bit of “talent” to have been deployed by a winger who has played for United.
Antony had a disappointing 4/10 from ESPN’s very own Rob Dawson when he gave his player ratings for the match because he didn’t do anything against Sheriff aside from his viral frippery.
When Antony first joined United over the summer, he was even required to show the spin, and the club posted a video of it on its official social media platforms in awe.