ANTONY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER BEING SLAMMED FOR POST-MATCH ANTICS AGAINST COVENTRY

Antony has attempted to explain himself after being criticised for his reaction in the wake of Manchester United's win over Coventry on Sunday.

United beat Coventry 4-2 on penalties in the FA Cup semi-final following a remarkable 3-3 draw, which had seen the favourites surrender a 3-0 lead. Antony had little to do with the victory, having come on as a substitute when United were three goals ahead and having not taken a penalty in the shoot-out.

Nevertheless, he enjoyed Rasmus Hojlund’s decisive penalty greatly and was seen cupping his ears and looking at the Coventry squad, rather than celebrating with his team-mates. His actions came in stark contrast to Harry Maguire, who immediately went to shake hands with the beaten Coventry squad.

Antony’s actions sparked something of a backlash on social media, with the Brazilian being accused of showing a lack of class. United manager Erik ten Hag came out to defend his £86million signing in the press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match against Sheffield United – and Antony has now had his say too.

Quote-tweeting a post showing Ten Hag’s words, Antony said: “Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked [sic] this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their players was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, I've reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club!”

Antony wasn’t the only United plenty guilty of losing their head in the FA Cup semi-final, with Andre Onana booked for taunting in the shoot-out and Bruno Fernandes also exchanging some terse words with Coventry goalkeeper Brad Collins after scoring his spot-kick.

Ten Hag was in no mood to reflect on the subject in his press conference on Tuesday, however. "Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?" he shot back when asked about the behaviour of Antony.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What did you make of Antony's behaviour? Comment below.

"He was provoked, that's why this was a reaction of that, you haven't seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it," he added. "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 minutes 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."

The row was just a small part of the criticism that came United’s way, despite them booking a second successive FA Cup final against Manchester City. The way Ten Hag’s side crumbled as Coventry turned up the pressure in the latter stages of the second half was worrying, yet the Dutchman believes the criticism was far too strong.

"We lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3," he said. "We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup final in four years. The comments are a disgrace."

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2024-04-23T15:01:28Z dg43tfdfdgfd