Paul Scholes hasn’t let Antony off the hook for calling out certain Manchester United icons over their “unfair” comments about him. The Brazilian winger believes that the criticism he has received from Scholes and co has been “malicious” and “non-constructive”.
Earlier this year, Gary Neville labelled Antony an “embarrassment” for lashing out at Jeremy Doku during United’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Meanwhile, he’s also received heavy criticism from Rio Ferdinand and Scholes for his declining form and “attitude problems”.
And it appears Antony has had enough. “Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play,” he said.
“But I’ve never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through.”
Scholes has since taken to Instagram to respond to Antony’s recent comments with a sarcastic message ahead of United’s midweek clash at Old Trafford. “Run as fast you can up and down, score goals and make goals pls [sic]… good luck tonight my friend.” wrote the 11-time Premier League winner.
Antony has endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford since signing for the Red Devils from Ajax for £82million last year. In 35 Premier League appearances over the course of one and a half seasons with the club, Antony has scored just four times while he has also only laid on two assists.
Not the sort of returns you would expect from one of the most expensive signings in the history of the Premier League. Antony will want to kick on if he hopes to keep his place in Erik ten Hag’s side in the New Year.
United face the prospect of a seventh Premier League defeat this evening when they host Chelsea. The Red Devils had been creeping up the table following a decent run of results, however, their momentum was derailed following a 1-0 loss to Newcastle at the weekend. Now, United and Antony have the opportunity to bounce back in style in front of a packed-out Old Trafford.
