Pep Guardiola’s ‘gesture’ towards Antony speaks volumes as moment spotted in Manchester derby

On Sunday afternoon, in a Premier League match, Manchester City completely dominated Manchester United.

Observers caught Pep Guardiola making a “gesture” to Antony during Manchester City’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

On Sunday, City won 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium thanks to braces from Phil Foden and an own goal from Erling Haaland, which negated the impact of a breathtaking long-range opener by Marcus Rashford.

Consequently, Guardiola’s squad got within one point of Liverpool, who were leading the league.

In the meantime, United’s hopes of playing in the Champions League took another blow, and they are now in sixth place, eleven points behind fourth-place Aston Villa.

Witnesses noticed that Guardiola had signaled to Antony before the Brazilian stepped onto the field during the match.

“Guardiola, the man who is kind about those who are not a threat before they step onto the pitch, smiled and shook hands with Antony before he came on,” wrote Samuel Luckhurst, a journalist for the Manchester Evening News, on social media. So it should come as no surprise.

In the 75th minute, Rashford was substituted with Antony.

Even his own team referred to the Brazilian as “a danger” because he was unable to have a positive influence.

Anthony has been on the field for two minutes, received the ball twice, and has been dispossessed both times, according to Luckhurst’s writing.

Although he reportedly paid £86 million to join Manchester United from Ajax in 2022, Antony has failed to make much of an impression since then.

With 71 appearances in all competitions under his belt, the 24-year-old has managed a meager nine goals.

So far this season, Antony has been completely ineffective, with just one goal and one assist.

Alex: I supported him for a long time,” United manager Erik ten Hag recently said when asked about Antony. He possesses exceptional skills, which I am familiar with. No defender has a chance against him when he plays the way he has in the past; he is among the fastest players in the first ten yards of the game.

He is going to give it his all when he plays that game. In the long run, I have faith in him because he is strong, unique, and determined; I also know he will stand up for himself and his principles. He must now patiently await his opportunity, and once it presents itself, he must seize it.