Antony goaded Coventry’s players (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended Antony for goading Coventry’s players following his side’s penalty shootout win at Wembley and says the Brazilian was ‘provoked’.
Antony has been heavily criticised for cupping his ears towards Coventry’s despondent side after Rasmus Hojlund put United through to the final to face Manchester City.
The Brazilian came on when United were 3-0 up in London and the Red Devils were lucky to take it to penalties after throwing away their lead and seeing Coventry hit the bar and have a last minute winner disallowed for offside.
Neveerthless, Antony – an £85m signing from Ajax – saw fit to goad Coventry, who are 8th in the Championship.
Ten Hag says Antony was provoked. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
But Ten Hag says Antony’s reaction was because he was ‘provoked’, which is perhaps a reference to Haji Wright cupping his ears at United supporters following his penalty attempt.
‘Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?’ said Ten Hag, referring to the defender consoling Coventry’s players.
‘He [Antony] 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.
‘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.’
United take on Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday in the Premier League.
The Red Devils could be without Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes from the side that started on Sunday.
The quartet all picked up knocks, with McTominay and Rashford rated higher doubts.
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