“It’s an embarrassment we’re still on this pitch” - Rio Ferdinand slams Manchester United star after win vs Coventry
Rio Ferdinand hopes Manchester United's leaders got a hold of Antony after his 'embarrassing' goading of Coventry City players in his side's FA Cup semifinal win.
Erik ten Hag's men 4-2 on penalties after a remarkable 3-3 draw against the EFL Championship outfit over 120 minutes. The Red Devils were 3-0 ahead thanks to Scott McTominay (23'), Harry Maguire (45+1') and Bruno Fernandes (58') with 30 minutes of regulation time remaining but collapsed.
Ellis Simms (71'), Callum O'Hare (79') and Haji Wright (90+5 P') took the tie to extra time. The Sky Blues thought they'd sealed the most incredible comeback victory but VAR cancelled out Victor Torp's 120+3rd minute effort.
Manchester United prevailed on penalties but they made life so much harder for themselves. Ten Hag's men booked their place in the final against Manchester City but were reserved in their celebrations due to the manner of their victory.
However, Antony was overly enthusiastic after the win and taunted Coventry players. The Brazilian winger cupped his hands to his ears towards Mark Robins' troops after Rasmus Hojlund netted the winning penalty.
There was outrage on social media after videos of his post-match antics surfaced. Several pundits have called him out including Ferdinand who gave a grim verdict.
The Manchester United legend hoped that one of the club's more experienced heads warned the Brazil international about his behavior (via Metro):
"You’d like to see him doing it and them telling him straightaway: 'Oi, you don’t do that… that don’t happen. We’re lucky to be going through, it’s an embarrassment we’re still on this pitch'."
Ferdinand would be devastated if players such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford didn't find fault with the Brazilian's antics:
"I would be devastated, I would be embarrassed now if there hasn’t been a conversation from one of the senior players, like Marcus (Rashford) who understands United, grew up there. Or a Bruno,who is wearing the armband. Harry Maguire has huge experience."
Antony has struggled to win over fans since joining the Red Devils from Ajax for £85 million in August 2022. He's been a bit-part player for Ten Hag this season despite being the second-most-expensive signing in the club's history.
Antony insisted Manchester United had to 'respect' Coventry ahead of their FA Cup clash
Antony was somewhat humble with his pre-match comments about Coventry and alluded to their path to the semifinal. Robins' Sky Blues beat Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 at Molineaux (via the FA's website):
"We have to respect Coventry as they are not in the semi-final by chance. They knocked Wolves out in a tough quarter-final game. We must respect them, and we have studied their team, but we also need to look at ourselves, consider our strength and quality and focus on our objectives."
Antony came on in the 66th minute of Manchester United's encounter with the Championship side. The Red Devils were 3-0 up at the time and he replaced Alejandro Garnacho who'd impressed.
The former Ajax winger is perhaps fighting for his United future following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival. The British billionaire and INEOS look set to overhaul the 13-time Premier League champions' squad.