Antony’s admiration of United’s great wingers

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Manchester United forward Antony says he studies former Reds wingers such as Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham in order to improve his own game.

Our no.21 netted United’s only goal in our 1-1 draw with Burnley with Old Trafford on Saturday, cleverly finishing past Arijanet Muric to hand Erik ten Hag’s side the lead.

Despite Zeki Amdouni’s late penalty to rescue a point for the Clarets, the former Ajax man was in fine form throughout the contest in M16.

Antony’s second-half goal was his first in the Premier League this term, following his FA Cup quarter-final finish against Liverpool in March.

Still just 24 years of age, the Brazilian is keen to continue bettering himself, and uses inspiration from other wingers to develop his game.

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“I always watched Cristiano Ronaldo, he played a lot on the wing here,” began our no.21.

“I’ve always really liked [Lionel] Messi as well, and Neymar, they are the three players I always followed.

“I played with Beckham a lot in video games, and I recently watched his documentary and learnt a lot from it.

“He’s someone who has inspired me. I already respected and admired him, and after watching the series this admiration grew even more. He’s a player I’ve followed since I was a child and as I just said, I learnt a lot from watching his documentary recently.”

Of course, the wingers Antony names have very different skillsets.

The Brazilian played alongside Ronaldo at United, but the Portugal icon had very much transformed from a dynamic wide man to an out-and-out finisher by this point.

This variation of skills among his idols, Antony says, only benefits his development.

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“You have quicker players like Cris, and others like Beckham as well, players who pull the strings more in a game with very good set-piece delivery.

“There are different types of players and different styles of play.

“As I said before, I always try and learn from both types, the quick players and the technique and intelligence of Beckham as well.”

A winger’s job is no longer just about the attacking third, with defensive work rate also being a key trait that is valued by managers, team-mates and fans.

Antony has this in abundance and, as he looks to kick on at United, the winger is determined to show his best for the Reds.

“Football is changing a lot and playing at a big club today, playing at United, you have to do this work,” he said.

“Attacking and defending, for me personally, it’s absolutely no problem, the important thing is the team winning.

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“I’ve said it numerous times before: you have to sacrifice yourself for the team and the club, and doing this is no problem for me.

“It’s important not just [to do well] in the FA Cup but to finish the Premier League season very well.

“That’s what I’ve been working towards, and I feel very good, prepared for any opportunity.”

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