Why Man Utd flop Antony celebrated with photographer after scoring first Premier League goal of the season

MANCHESTER UNITED big-money flop Antony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’.

The Brazilian winger scored his first Premier League goal for the club this season and celebrated with the photographer behind the goal at Old Trafford.

RexAntony has been hiring a personal photographer to get pictures of him in ‘action’[/caption]

Now it emerges he is regularly on-hand to collate a catalogue of Antony pictures for the player’s own private collection, for social media postings and endorsements or advertising.

It is unclear whether the photographer has got through one roll of film this season given the players poor performances although there are apparently plenty of ‘stills’.

Fans have grown increasingly angry with the £85million Brazilian winger’s performances this season which have resulted in him being axed from the United starting line-up.

But he was in on Saturday for the home game against Burnley due to Marcus Rashford’s absence.

He scored a cracking opener in the 65th minute before The Clarets went on to share the points with a late penalty.

Antony celebrated with his teammates and put a spare ball under his shirt.

He then went over to his friend the photographer and hugged him before lifting up a Sonic The Hedgehog toy which the snapper had brought along in case his employer scored.

The Hedgehog had spent nearly the whole league season in hibernation but was finally brought out as Antony picked it up in celebration.

Antony, 24, said afterwards that the celebration was for his son who loves the Sonic character.

The ball under his shirt was a show of affection to his wife who is expecting a daughter.

Antony said: “Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon. He loves. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life, he makes me happy every day.

“And we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne. A baby who is already very loved by everyone.

“God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much.”

It was his first Premier League goal since April of last season but he has scored twice in the FA Cup this season against Newport and Liverpool.

Players having their own personal photographers at games is not unique to Antony with a number of other United players having them present.

Stars at other clubs also have them and have gained access to the touchline at Old Trafford when their players visit.

Sonic the Hedgehog is an action comedy which could describe United’s season.

Their draw with Burnley on Saturday combined with Aston Villa taking a point at home to Chelsea means the Red Devils mathematically have no chance of reaching the top four this season.

At best they can get into the Europa League either through staying in the top six or in the unlikely outcome of them beating Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

AlamyAntony celebrated with a Sonic The Hedgehog toy in a nod to his son[/caption]