- 20 hours ago
Antony was 'PROVOKED' by Coventry - Erik ten Hag
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 23 Apr 2024 15:52 BST
- 3 min read
Erik ten Hag has admitted Antony was in the wrong for goading the Coventry City squad after Manchester United’s penalty shootout victory in the FA Cup semi-final, although he believes the Brazilian was “provoked” by the Red Devils’ opposition.
Man Utd blew a 3-0 lead at Wembley and required penalties to beat Coventry after conceding three late second-half goals to Mark Robins’ side.
Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and Haji Wright were all on the scoresheet for the Championship outfit, and Man Utd required a VAR intervention in extra-time after Victor Torp looked as though he’d won the contest for Coventry.
READ MORE: Pathetic Antony is a DISGRACE to Man Utd
Ten Hag’s team eventually emerged triumphant on penalties, with Rasmus Hojlund netting the winning spot kick, although Antony has been widely criticised for his antics after Man Utd’s victory was confirmed.
The Brazil international was seen cupping his ears in the direction of the Red Devils’ opponents after Hojlund’s penalty hit the back of the net - an action that even notorious wind-up merchant Neal Maupay has claimed he would never do.
Antony has tallied just two goals and two assists in all competitions so far this season, with only one goal contribution during the 2023-24 Premier League campaign. Furthermore, he cost Man Utd €95 million in 2022, while the entire cost of Coventry’s starting XI on Sunday was under €30m.
READ MORE: It's officially time for Man Utd to SACK Erik ten Hag
Current ETV
Antony
AM (R), M (RL)
Man Utd
Antony
AM (R), M (RL)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€24.6M - €41.1M
’Antony was provoked’ says Ten Hag
Despite claiming that Antony was in the wrong, Ten Hag believes the Brazilian was provoked by Coventry’s squad.
Ahead of Man Utd’s Premier League clash against Sheffield United on Wednesday, the former Ajax manager told the media: “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.”
Antony has also commented on the situation, posting on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We sought this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club!"
