Antony's penalty revelation

Tuesday 15 October 2024 14:00

When Antony stepped up to take a penalty in the Carabao Cup win over Barnsley earlier this season, it was a new experience for the Brazilian.

Although he dusted himself after being fouled by visiting keeper Gabriel Slonina and converted his shot with aplomb and confidence, it was the first spot-kick he had taken in his professional career.

The goal was the second of our 7-0 triumph that has set up another home tie, against Leicester City, in the fourth round on Wednesday 30 October.

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This penalty was the first Antony had taken as a senior player.

Speaking to club media, Antony was asked whether he had taken a penalty before in his career.

"I had never taken a penalty but I always trained in order to be ready for the opportunity," he revealed.

"Of course, I always practise, as training reflects matches. I trained well, so I was confident to score too."

Antony obviously did take them during his time in youth football but has not been called upon from 12 yards in any penalty shootouts with his senior sides.

"Yes I did," he said of stepping up as a youngster. "I used to take them. However, it is a little different from being a child to being at Old Trafford in front of so many people!

"I was really happy to score and to help the team. Really happy to have won the foul and scored the penalty and I want to continue scoring goals."

The right-winger feels ready to handle the responsibility if the chance crops up again, whether during a match or during a high-stakes shootout.

“Of course, that’s what I train for," he added. "But also to face the pressures. So you have to train and be ready to do it when the opportunity arises."

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