The 3-0 triumph over Sheriff saw Manchester United player Antony replaced at halftime following an "embarrassing" display of showboating.
Although he had promised to 'fix' the forward, manager Erik ten Hag is adamant that the two incidents were unrelated.
The Brazilian winger gave the Moldovans at Old Trafford his signature double-spin on the ball with the Europa League game scoreless in the first half. Even though the other team didn't put much pressure on Antony, it didn't help because his next pass went out of play for a goal kick.
Ten Hag shook his head at the £86 million summer acquisition as United searched for a goal.
At halftime, Antony was then substituted, though Ten Hag maintained later that this was "more or less" pre-planned.
"No, I didn't take the 22-year-old off because of the skill," Ten Hag retorted. In essence, it was planned.
"I hoped to see Marcus Rashford and Cristiano playing together more, and I thought Garnacho was doing fairly well," the fan said.
However, the Dutchman promised to "fix" Antony, a player he trained when serving as manager of Ajax.
Ten Hag continued, "I don't mind it as long as it's practical."
When there is a trick like that, it's fine as long as it works, but we want more from him.
But, I'll correct him, that was a trick "for the sake of a trick."
In six Premier League games, Antony has scored three goals.
At halftime, legendary Red Devils player Paul Scholes was very angry with Antony and gave him a bad review.
"If I were at No. 6, I know what I'd be doing," remarked Scholes. It's just showboating and foolish.
He needs to get that knocked out of him, but I saw him do that at Ajax as well.
BT Sport analyst Robbie Savage responded to the criticism by saying, "That is crazy. After doing so, he removed the ball from play. Actually, quite embarrassing.
"You want to move the ball rapidly while trying to win the game. "Embarrassing."
Savage said, "There was nobody in the area. What's the purpose? Finally, he performs it as part of his play.
I would drag him away if I were the management.
