Antony has already hit back at Man Utd skill critics after controversy

One of the big talking points from Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Sheriff, somehow, was Antony showboating in the first half of the tie. The Brazil international produced two of his spins consecutively before then putting the ball straight out of play. He was criticised by the likes of Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves for his tricks – yet the 22-year-old has already insisted it’s a part of his game and any sceptics won’t force him to change.It was a good night for Manchester United, who continued their resurgence under Erik ten Hag with a straightforward victory over their Europa League opponents.Diogo Dalot opened the scoring against Sheriff, with the Portugal international rising to head home a pinpoint corner from Christian Eriksen.Marcus Rashford then bagged his sixth goal of the campaign before Cristiano Ronaldo, back in the team after his recent temper tantrum against Tottenham, added gloss late on.While it was a productive evening for United, however, a bizarre talking point was Antony’s showboating in the first half.Yes, it looked a tad ridiculous. But a young player expressing themselves should be no bad thing, especially given how impressive the 22-year-old has been following his summer arrival from Ajax.Man Utd transfers: Plans for next three signings are damning on Solskjaer Man Utd star Antony won’t change his skills despite Sheriff backlash (Image: GETTY) Man Utd signed Antony back in the summer transfer window (Image: GETTY) Man Utd star Antony was criticised in the BT Sport studio for Sheriff showboating (Image: GETTY)”I am adapting and getting used to things here already. Entertaining is something I’ve always liked and I’ll continue doing it.”Erik ten Hag has taken the right approach. He knows Antony only needs a slight nudge in the right direction – and refused to condemn his forward for his antics.’I don’t have a problem with the spin as long as it’s functional,’ said the 52-year-old.’I demand more from him, more runs in-behind, more tempo dribble, more dominance. A trick like this is nice as long as it is functional and you don’t lose the ball.’If it’s doing a trick with no purpose, I will correct him.’WIN A FREE ENGLAND SHIRT FOR THE WORLD CUP! Man Utd have seen Antony shine since his summer arrival (Image: GETTY)United’s match with Sheriff won’t live long in the memory.But there’s no need for the criticism that has come Antony’s way, especially given how skills are a fundamental part of his game.It’s like Neymar. Those who slam the Paris Saint-Germain star for putting on a show are probably the same individuals who loathe a player passing it forwards, other than sideways or backwards.Very odd. Antony is here to stay at United and the odds of him toning things down aren’t very favourable – which won’t exactly please Scholes and Hargreaves.Next up for United is West Ham on Sunday, with the Red Devils expected to start Antony for the showdown on home turf.Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here