Paul Scholes reveals theory on Antony’s three-finger gesture after Man Utd mauling that ‘isn’t good look’ for Ten Hag
PAUL SCHOLES thinks Antony’s three-finger gesture after Manchester United’s mauling at Crystal Palace was him questioning Erik ten Hag.
United’s Dutch boss faces more uncertainty over his future after he hit a new low last night.
The Red Devils were hammered 4-0 at Crystal Palace to leave them eighth in the Premier League.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed United are the “most poorly coached team in the league” and Ashley Young labelled the performance “shambolic” afterwards.
The Liverpool icon then blasted three “embarrassing” stars after the Selhurst Park nightmare.
As the players left the pitch the Sky Sports cameras filmed Antony, Mason Mount and Andre Onana leaving.
Antony appeared animated as he spoke to Mount, covering his mouth and gesturing with three of his fingers as Carragher fumed and shouted at the screen for the trio to get off the pitch.
He raged: “Just get off the pitch. Talking, whispering behind your hand – you’ve just been absolutely awful.
“They are probably talking about one of the players – somebody else, the set-up or the manager. Just shut up and get in.
“You’ve been beaten 4-0. Whispering, talking about other players. Honestly, embarrassing.”
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Now Scholes, who won two Champions League crowns and 11 Premier League titles, has now stated he feels the Brazilian was making a tactical point in the attempted hushed chat.
Speaking to Optus Sports on the incident, he said: “He is saying something to Mason Mount he is obviously not happy with. Mason Mount seems the quietest out of the three of them.
“What’s that going to do, I didn’t see any of them communicating on the football pitch. That doesn’t look good. I don’t think that’s good for the manager.
“People are obviously talking and saying things he [Antony] doesn’t agree with. When he’s putting those three fingers up, maybe he’s saying we should be having three in midfield, why don’t we have three there?
“I don’t know, we have no idea because we can’t lip read. But there is obviously a problem there and they obviously disagree with something the manager is doing.”
It is not the first time that Antony, who cost £85.5m from Ajax 18 months ago, has been slammed.
The winger was blasted by both fans and pundits after taunting Coventry players following the FA Cup penalty shootout victory over them.
And on the pitch he is doing very little to silence his critics.
The South American has recorded three goals and two assists in 37 games.
Pundits' verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”