During Manchester City vs. Manchester United in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola was seen making a “gesture” at Antony.
Marcus Rashford’s spectacular long-range opening was negated by a brace from Phil Foden and a goal by Erling Haaland on Sunday, as City won 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola’s team were able to reduce Liverpool’s advantage in the league to just one point as a consequence.
As a result, United’s hopes of playing in the Champions League were further dashed; they now sit in sixth position, 11 points behind Aston Villa in fourth.
Before Antony approached the pitch during the game, Guardiola was seen shaking hands with the Brazilian.
Journalist Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News stated in a social media post:
“Guardiola, the man who is kind about those who are not a threat before they step onto the pitch, smiled and shook hands with Antony before he came on. Little wonder.”
Rashford was replaced by Antony in the 75th minute. The Brazilian, nevertheless, failed to make any impact for his team and caused more trouble to them by losing the ball.
Luckhurst also wrote: “Antony has been on for two minutes, got the ball twice and been dispossessed twice.”
After reportedly paying £86 million to sign him from Ajax in 2022, Antony has not lived up to expectations at Man United. The 24-year-old has made 71 appearances in all competitions so far, and he has just nine goals to his name.
Antony’s season total of one goal and one assist is well below what is expected of an attacking player of Man United, who was signed for a hefty transfer fee.
His future at the club looks uncertain and it won’t be a surprise to see him being one of the first players to be shown the exit door in the summer.
