Erik ten Hag explains why Antony goaded Coventry players after Manchester United shootout win

Erik ten Hag admits Antony should not have goaded Coventry City players after Manchester United’s penalty shootout win in the FA Cup semi-final, but says the Brazilian winger was provoked into doing so.

Antony caused controversy on Sunday afternoon when he turned and cupped his ears towards the deflated Coventry squad following Rasmus Hojlund’s winning penalty.

The 24-year-old was heavily criticised for a lack of sportsmanship after the plucky underdogs had fought so hard to get back into the game, and almost won it when Victor Torp saw a last-minute effort ruled out for offside.

Antony, who had come onto the pitch when United were leading 3-0, had done little to impact proceedings at Wembley and had not even taken a penalty in the subsequent shootout victory. His reaction was quite the contrast to former club captain Harry Maguire, who immediately turned to shake the hands of the Coventry players and commiserate them on their defeat.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Ten Hag insisted his record-signing was provoked into his distasteful celebration after the win.

“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He was provocated, that's why this was a reaction of that, you haven't seen the provocation only the reaction,” Ten Hag said.

“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 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.”