He came up with a first-half assist to allow Bruno Fernandes to score early on. Then, with the game in the balance at 2-2, Antony reacted quickest to the ball rebounding off the post to tap home with 20 minutes to go.

But Antony still couldn’t escape criticism as commentator Mowbray observed how one dimensional he is due to his desire to use his favoured left foot. “If Antony got on a bike he’d just cycle around in circles wouldn’t he?” Mowbray quipped. “Because his left leg is brilliant and his right leg is practically not there.”

Antony scored on his United debut as they beat Arsenal last season and later came up with a crucial goal against Barcelona in the Europa League. He struggled for consistency though and his level has dipped this term as he has struggled to influence games.

Ten Hag has continued to give his player opportunities, previously defending his performances amid off field issues. Gary Neville though believes Antony’s signing, which remains the second most expensive in the club’s history, is a sign of the transfer issues at Old Trafford.

He said on Sky Sports: “What looks to have happened here with United. Scouts can’t have gone off to watch Antony and signed him off as being worth £85m. It looks like they’ve allowed Erik ten Hag to overrule them which is worrying because you need strength of leadership at the very top.

“I blame the football club for brining him in for £85m. It’s not that boy’s fault that he’s been brought in as one of the most expensive wide players in world football. He should never have been brought in for that money.”