Declan Rice will do Erik Ten Hag’s job for him if controversial Man United star Antony tries his tricks against West Ham.
After sealing their place in the last 16 of European competition for the second season running, attentions now turn to Manchester United for West Ham this Sunday.
A trip to face the fast-improving Red Devils in the Premier League will be a massive step up from the opposition the Hammers have faced this week, which saw wins over Bournemouth on Monday and then SIlkeborg three days later.
West Ham sit within striking distance of Man United and the European spots.
And the Hammers could be without five key players for the Old Trafford clash.
One of those David Moyes claims he will be without for the trip to face his old club is record signing Lucas Paqueta.
The Scot says the Brazil star will not be available until next week for West Ham.
All the focus at Man United’s end had been on the Cristiano Ronaldo situation which resulted in peace talks between the Portuguese and Ten Hag this week.
But it is Paqueta’s Brazil teammate Antony who has taken the spotlight off Ronaldo this week.
The £85m winger was called ‘disrespectful and embarrassing’ and was hooked at half-time by Ten Hag after showboating in the Europa League against Sheriff.
West Ham star Paqueta was lauded for an audacious piece of Brazilian skill when he controlled the ball on his heel in midflight during a win over Anderlecht before going on to set up the winning goal.
But Antony pulled off his trademark 720-degree spin, with no defender anywhere near him.
The Man United star then proceeded to completely misplace a through ball towards Casemiro harmlessly out of play.
The trickery failed to impress boss Ten Hag, who was seen shaking his head on the bench, with the scoreline still goalless.
Antony was hauled off at half-time and has been criticised by the Manchester United manager who says he will “correct” his player if he showboats without it being functional.
Declan Rice will do Erik ten Hag’s job for him if controversial Man United star Antony tries his tricks against West Ham
Antony has since spoken out on social media saying he will continue to do his tricks and entertain.
So the Hammers are on a warning that he might try it on against them in this Sunday’s clash.
But Declan Rice will do Erik ten Hag’s job for him if controversial Man United star Antony tries his tricks against West Ham.
Because make no mistake, Hammers talisman Rice – who has long been touted as a potential Man United target – will lay down the law if Antony starts spinning like a bumper car with its wheel locked against him.
Given Rolls Royce Rice is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders in Europe, the West Ham man would take that kind of showboating as a personal affront.
If Antony starts spinning when Man United welcome West Ham to Old Trafford on Sunday evening you can fully expect to find him somewhere in row Z.
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