Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he will "correct" Antony if the attacker was showboating during Thursday's Europa League contest with Sheriff Tiraspol.

The 20-time English champions moved onto 12 points in Group E courtesy of a 3-0 victory over their Moldovan opponents, with Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo on the scoresheet.

Man United will now head to section leaders Real Sociedad next week needing to win by two clear goals in order to secure first spot, which would see them automatically qualify for the knockout round of the competition.

As it stands, the Red Devils will need to win a knockout playoff against one of the sides that will drop down from the Champions League in order to advance.

There was a controversial moment in the first half of the game at Old Trafford, with Antony, who was substituted at the interval, spinning round with the ball under no pressure before conceding possession back to Sheriff, with his pass failing to find Casemiro.

© Reuters

Antony's skill was criticised by a number of pundits during and after the match, including former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes.

"I'm not even sure it's skill, is it? Could we [talking to Owen Hargreaves] do that? Is it his trademark? I think he needs a better one. He needs to find a more entertaining way," Scholes told BT Sport.

"I like to see skill, but I just don't think that is skill or entertainment. That is just being a clown, isn't it?"

Ten Hag said that he does not have a problem with pieces of individual skill providing that they are "functional", but he will "correct" players if they are showboating for the sake of it.

"I don't have a problem with that as long as it's functional," Ten Hag told reporters. "Also from him I demand more - more runs behind, more often in the box, more followers in and more tempo dribbles, especially, and more playing in the pocket.

© Reuters

"So, we demand more dominance in this game and when there is a trick like that, it's nice. As long as it's functional, if you're not losing the ball and you're attracting players, then it's OK. But if it's a trick because of a trick, then I will correct him."

Antony has been a vital player for the 20-time English champions since his arrival from Ajax over the summer.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals in 11 appearances for Man United in all competitions, although he is yet to find the back of the net in the Europa League this term.

The Red Devils will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they welcome West Ham United to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.