Manchester United winger Antony has finally spoken out about his contentious celebration during the club’s FA Cup semi-final victory against Coventry City over the weekend.
United advanced to their second consecutive FA Cup final, where they will meet Manchester City, after defeating Coventry on penalties.
The Red Devils had a dominating 3-0 lead with 20 minutes of regular time remaining, but they capitulated in spectacular fashion, allowing Mark Robins’ men to level the score and force extra time.
Coventry thought they had won when Victor Torp scored in the 121st minute, but fortunately for United, the goal was ruled off due to offside in the build-up. They finally became the 20-time English champions.
won in the subsequent penalty shootout, despite Casemiro missing the opening striker.
The method in which the triumph was achieved left much to be desired, as evidenced by how fast the spectators exited Wembley Stadium following the final whistle.
Antony’s foolish antics exposed the team’s mental weakness. As soon as Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty, the Brazilian turned to the Coventry players and cupped his ears, visibly taunting them. His reaction could not have been more different than Harry Maguire’s, who shook hands with the Championship heroes to congratulate them on their valiant efforts.
During his press conference prior of United’s Premier League match against Sheffield United on Wednesday, Ten Hag was questioned
Regarding the Antony scenario. The Dutch coach stated that the 24-year-old was agitated by the Coventry players, which is why he behaved as he did. Ten Hag asked, “Did you see Harry Maguire’s reaction?” He was provoked, which is why this was a reaction to it; you didn’t witness the provocation, only the reaction. But he shouldn’t do it.
“I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others, we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback we are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”
Antony used social media to share his own perspective of what
The former Ajax player tweeted on X (previously Twitter): “Coventry demonstrated why they made the semi-finals. We sought this berth in the final for our fans, and we succeeded.”
“The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, i’ve reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!”
Antony’s statement is unlikely to satisfy supporters, especially given how bad he has been this season.
With Marcus Rashford doubtful for tomorrow’s encounter against the Blades, Antony has a good chance of being named in Ten Hag’s starting lineup.
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