Manchester United’s clash against table-toppers Arsenal was expected to provide an even sterner test than the game against Liverpool three weeks ago.
The hype was justified as the match ebbed and flowed but in the end, Erik ten Hag‘s team ended up with a 3-1 win after a clinical display, especially in the second half.
The fans had come to see new record buy Antony in action and the Brazilian did not disappoint as he scored the team’s opener after a brilliant team move.
Brilliant team goal
Christian Eriksen‘s vision meant he picked out a lovely ball for Bruno Fernandes, who ran into space and played the ball out wide to Jadon Sancho.
The left winger cut inside and found Marcus Rashford, who threaded through a fine ball for the Brazil international to run onto and he finished first-time past a helpless Aaron Ramsdale.
His celebrations were equally extravagant as he kissed the United badge, celebrated with his new teammates and even managed to rile up the Arsenal fans and players.
Antony on Deansgate last night #mufc
📸: Eamonn and James Clarke pic.twitter.com/Y1vDQYGelc— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 5, 2022
Ten Hag, who forced the United hierarchy to splash the big bucks for the former Ajax winger, knew what the tricky winger could provide in such an intriguing contest and his decision to start the 22-year-old was justified on the basis of Antony’s first-half showing.
On why he chose to start his brand-new recruit in the place of Anthony Elanga, the boss was quoted as saying, “He [Antony] knows the style we want to play and what we expect and demand.
“He can be an offensive threat in one on ones, his speed – that makes the choice to play him.”
Antony paints the town red
Antony’s camaraderie with his new teammates was on full display as multiple players congratulated him for his debut goal while he also showed his admiration towards Cristiano Ronaldo by uploading a social media post titled: “Idolo”.
That was not the end of Antony’s day as he went out into the town at night to celebrate. He was pictured wearing the club’s tracksuit and that has already earned him even more love from the fans.
According to The Sun, the former Sao Paulo star shared a celebratory meal with friends at the Hawksmoor restaurant before walking back to the Lowry Hotel, where he is currently staying.
The Brazilian was pictured raising “two fists in the air in celebration – clearly still buzzing from the three points against top of the table Arsenal.”
It was a dream start for Antony and both Ten Hag and the United faithful will be hoping this is just the start of a long and successful stay at Old Trafford.
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