Fans believe they spotted Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction to one Antony error as the Manchester United legend was at the City Ground for their FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest
If there's a man you want to impress as a Manchester United player, it's Sir Alex Ferguson.
But Antony perhaps found himself doing the opposite during Wednesday's FA Cup clash away to Nottingham Forest. That's after a subtle slip in the first half saw the Brazilian fail to get a Bruno Fernandes probe under control as he'd hoped.
Portugal playmaker Fernandes hit a hopeful ball across-field in an attempt to find his winger out on the right flank. And although Antony gave a thumbs up of encouragement to his team-mate, Ferguson - who was sat next to INEOS shot-caller Dave Brailsford - could be seen breaking into laughter almost immediately after the move.
"Even Ferguson is tired of Antony's nonsense," laughed one viewer on X (formerly Twitter). And a second spectator was in less of a joking mood as they wrote: "Ferguson and Brailsworth know Antony is a s***."
The South American wasn't the only United player to have a fruitless first half at the City Ground as the visitors struggled to break down their hosts. That's despite the fact United had just short of two-thirds of the possession during the opening 45 minutes.
Brailsford - who was performance director for British Cycling and now leads cycling outfit INEOS Grenadiers - has been roped in to take a leading role at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a 27% stake in United. The 59-year-old held a similar role with Ratcliffe's other European outfit, Nice, and will have some big decisions to make in the transfer market this summer.
Antony is one of those reportedly at risk of being moved on unless he can prove his worth to bosses in the coming months. It's understood United could be convinced to part ways with the Brazil international, who joined from Ajax two years ago in a deal worth £86million.
Blunders like those witnessed in the first half at Forest won't work in his favour if the goal is to prove he can still fulfil his potential. And Ferguson's immediate response may have been an indication as to where his opinion on the player stands.
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