Manchester United star Antony shares cryptic message after Coventry City celebration controversy

Antony has shared a message on social media a few days after the penalty shoot-out win over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

The Brazilian received some criticism for the way he celebrated the semi-final success by turning to the Coventry players and cupping his ear. Teammate Harry Maguire meanwhile, sportingly shook hands with the Sky Blues' players following United's shootout win.

United supporters have been among the punters to pile in on Antony over his conduct following that game and boss Erik ten Hag admitted he should not have made the gesture and explained Antony was provoked.

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"He was provoked, 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 then to come back."

Antony took to social media platform X later that evening and said: "Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked 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, I've reacted to the provocations in a natural defence of my club!"

Fast forward a few days and the 24-year-old shared a picture of himself followed by a Brazilian song. The song translated to: "So I won’t let it get to me, I will get up. The secret is to trust and believe in what the pastor said would come. It can take as long as it takes."

Antony has had a difficult spell at Old Trafford since completing his £86million move from Ajax in 2022. Previously speaking about his time at the club, he said: "It has been a period of a lot of learning. I try to learn from each criticism, understand where I can improve.

"I have been working silently to evolve and show my football on the field. I know my potential and I know why Manchester United hired me. I want to repay all of this on the field."