Manchester United were back to winning ways in the Europa League night with a 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol, taking their unbeaten streak to seven across all competitions.
However, the biggest talking point on the night wasn’t Erik ten Hag‘s run of results but rather a moment from one of his new signings, Antony, who pulled off a rather fun albeit pretty pointless skill.
lt got a cheer from large sections of the Old Trafford crowd but the reaction online was rather different.
As you can see, not only did commentator Ian Darke quip that the skill looked like something “out of Strictly Come Dancing“, but co-commentator and one-time Red Devil Robbie Savage dubbed the move as “quite embarrassing, actually”.
Trademark move or not, the fact he put his pass out of play immediately after didn’t help either.
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Former United players and pundits Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves didn’t exactly give a glowing review of Antony’s showboating either, remarking that the skill was “ridiculous” and didn’t really achieve anything, with Scholes adding that he didn’t do much else in the game either.
"It's not skill or entertainment, it's just being a clown!" 😂
Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves joke about who wants to see Antony's showboating antics… 👀
While the pair admitted that you can afford to do a little bit of showboating and try creative things on a pitch when you’re three or four-nil up, Antony did this when the scoreline was still 0-0.
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Moreover, some have suggested that Antony’s spin was somewhat disrespectful to the away team who travelled all the way from Moldova for what, no doubt, would have felt like a big occasion on their list of fixtures this season.
Pundits over in the Sky studios were equally displeased with the ‘Antony spin’:
"The most POINTLESS bit of skill I've ever seen!" 😳
On the other hand, many Reds fans and neutral football fans alike got a laugh out of it, branding it as nothing more than a moment of entertainment and joking that they hope he does daft stuff like that “every week”.
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Some even pointed out that he drew defenders’ attention while Casemiro made his run. That would be nice if the pass had actually come off.
Either way, as you might expect, people on social media have had their fair share of fun following the inexplicable bit of skill:
Though his face gave awaysaid plenty at the time,ten Hag did address the moment, admitting that while “a trick like that is nice” it should be used so long as its “functional, you’re not losing the ball” or you’re “attracting players — then it’s ok”.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman went on to say that he will “correct him” in the future when it comes to showing his flair on the pitch.
The 22-year-old Brazilian has made an otherwise positive start to life in Manchester, having scored several goals already and even making history with his finish against Everton.
Southampton troll Manchester City after Ruben Dias’ frustrated interview
Danny Jones
Southampton FC have decided to respond to Manchester City star Ruben Dias with some casual trolling following his frustrated post-match interview this weekend.
In short, someone let the admin off the leash, and we’ll admit it caught us a little off guard.
Man City shared the points away at St Mary’s Stadium against the already relegated Saints – a fate which plays somewhat into the rather nonchalant nature of their social media this past Friday, 9 May.
Southampton hosted City for what turned out to be a beyond forgettable bore draw, although Dias himself was clearly still dwelling on it at least somewhat after the full-time whistle, claiming the home team put in very little effort. To which this was their reply…
While plenty of people online had already seen Ruben‘s review of their performance, the south coast side had no problem in drawing even more eyes to it by sharing the video above.
There’s one thing to disagree with/mock a single player’s response in a moment of tension, but putting together a mini blooper reel about last season’s Premier League champions and recent Treble winners to the rather out-of-tune flute version of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire felt pretty bold, to say the least.
Again, not that they’ll care one bit, given they won’t be even in the same division for at least another year.
It’s also just not all too often that you see football clubs’ official media channels memeing other teams, so it’s hard not to react when instances like this do happen.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola had a fair few of his own visibly frustrated feelings on the match as well, including some words for his own players, although stating that they should have been able to break down a team that’s already on their way to the Championship.
Pep’s post-match press conference following Southampton 0-0 City in full.
It’s also worth mentioning that while it may have felt like a bit of a damp rubber game, there was actually a lot more at stake in the grander scheme of things.
Not only did the draw rescue Southampton from setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the top-flight competition’s history, but much more importantly, it meant crucial points were dropped for the Blues in the race to secure Champions League football.
Most supporters would rightly assume Man City will be in UEFA’s premier continental competition next season, but it’s not a certainty just yet.
You can watch the highlights, or lack thereof, down below.
Who had more of a point, do you think – Ruben Dias or the Southampton admin?
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester
Thomas Melia
Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.
Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.
Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.
This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.Credit: Justin De Souza
Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.
Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.
We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.
If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.
There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.Credit: Justin De Souza
New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.
You had us at booze and scran.
Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.
Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”
Danny Jones -
28th October 2022 
