29 October 2023 , 18:03
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Gary Neville branded Manchester United winger Antony "embarrassing" for kicking out at Jeremy Doku during a frustrating and ineffectual cameo in the Manchester derby.
The Brazilian began the game as a substitute and came on for the final minutes with his side losing 3-0 at Old Trafford to their local neighbours Manchester City. Antony has struggled to make an impact this term and that trend continued during his brief contribution off the bench.
City winger Doku was dribbling and dodged an Antony tackle before the United star went back in for another aggressive swipe - drawing a reaction from his opponent. Antony's action earned him a yellow card, but Neville claiming United's discipline issues began with skipper Bruno Fernandes.
The Sky Sports commentator said: "Doku is absolutely right, Antony just has a kick at him. United have lost their discipline, it starts with the captain. It's absolutely ridiculous, I would just send him off. It's embarrassing."
Fernandes' frustration grew as the game began to get away from United with the Portuguese playmaker's demeanour underlining his emotions. As has been seen before, Fernandes threw his arms up petulantly and also began tackling more aggressively.
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Neville observed: "He’s trying to do someone there, Fernandes. He’s trying to do John Stones but he’s seen him coming and he’s ended up hurting himself. He’s conning no one with what he’s been trying to do over the past few minutes."
Antony clashed with Jeremy Doku late in the game (Getty Images)Fernandes' actions on the pitch have previously angered Neville. The former United man turned pundit has been vocal about the player needing to change his attitude, hammering him after United lost badly to Liverpool last season.
Neville called his behaviour a "disgrace" before adding: “I’m going to start with Bruno Fernandes. I’ve had enough of him throwing his arms around at his team-mates; I've had enough of him not running back; he whinges at everybody.
"He got pushed in the chest and went down holding his face. He's got to put a captain's performance in out there and that wasn't a captain's performance by a Manchester United player.”