Anthony couldn’t do anything when he came up against me – Sheriff Tiraspol defender Patrick Kpozo

FC Sheriff defender Patrick Kpozo has backed himself to restrict Manchester United forward Antony when the two clash in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (October 27).

The Ghanaian did quite well against the Red Devils’ new recruit, who was playing only his third game for the club, in the reverse fixture on September 15. Manchester United won the game 2-0, thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The former Inter Allies player joined the Moldovan side in January of this year, quickly establishing himself as a key player and recently receiving praise for his performance against Manchester United.

Sheriff may have lost both games in Moldova against the Red Devils, but Kpozo was widely praised for keeping United’s marquee summer signing Antony at bay.

“People thought Antony was going to ‘kill’ me in the first game,” the 25-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

“He is a very good player but when he came up against me, he couldn’t do anything. Still, they are saying again that he will ‘kill’ me again in the match at Old Trafford.

“I’m sure he will be trying to do everything possible to prove himself, but I believe in myself. I am strong, fast and when I stay close to him, he has nowhere to go. I’ve got him.”

FC Sheriff have proven adept at utilising its continental scouting network to provide a pathway for African talent to play in Europe in recent years.  They have several African players, including Patrick Kpozo, Mudasiru Salifu, and Edmund Addo, all of whom are from Ghana.

“It is something we are proud of,” Kpozo said.

“To see so many black and African players in the first XI is a good feeling. It is a good platform and for me personally, I think I am now close to a call-up for Ghana – which would be a great honour.”

The 25-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season.