When Antony learned where Erik ten Hag intended him to play during extra time of their FA Cup quarterfinal match, he was in total shock.
Just before the end of regular time on Sunday, the Manchester United substitute scored his team’s second goal of the match against Liverpool to tie the score 2-2 and force extra time.
Antony netted his second goal of the season, but was quickly put in a bad mood
Antony signalled his mind was blown by Ten Hag’s decision
Rashford appeared to tell Antony to relax and get on with it
Antony was still moaning seconds before the game restarted
But just minutes later, Antony’s smile turned into a frown as he was told where he was going to play in extra time.
Footage shows the Brazilian and the rest of his teammates breaking out of their huddle after discussing their plan for the next half an hour.
Antony, who is stood on the edge of the circle, is seen having an animated conversation with his teammates, before walking away and looking concerned.
He even throws his hands away from his head whilst facing Ten Hag, appearing to signal being ‘mind blown’ by whatever he was told to do.
Antony is soon grabbed by Marcus Rashford, who appears to tell his teammate to calm down. The Brazilian continues to protest the decision, before Rashford puts his arm round him again.
The 24-year-old then continues to mutter to himself before the game gets underway.
Fans have a theory about just what their star was complaining about.
Ten Hag had taken defender Raphael Varane off just before the end of normal time, bringing Amad Diallo on in his place to bolster their attacking threat as they tried to grab a winner.
After Harvey Elliott put Liverpool 3-2 up in extra time, Mason Mount then came on for defender Victor Lindelof.
That saw Antony slot into an unfamiliar, left back position in a back line alongside Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot.
“Nah, this video is too funny, Antony couldn’t believe Ten Hag asked him to play left-back. Bro lost his head and Rashford told him to just get on with it.” one fan wrote, replying to the footage on X. ”
Another said: “Antony couldn’t believe Ten Hag asked him to play left-back. This is too funny,”
Of course, it’s likely all was forgiven in the end. Despite Antony’s protests, Ten Hag’s bold tactical move did pay off.
Following the incredible win over their fierce rivals that sealed their semi-final spot against Coventry City, Ten Hag explained how proud he was of Antony.
Speaking to beIN Sports, he said on his star’s goal: “It’s very important for him. He struggled so much [this season]. First part, he was not himself, he’s responsible for that.
“And then he lost confidence, and now he has to fight back. We see through the last two weeks, he’s returning.
“I see in training, I see the Antony I was used to work with at Ajax, and also used to work in the first weeks here.”