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Manchester United beat Coventry City 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the semifinals of the 2023-24 FA Cup on Sunday, April 21. United took a 3-0 lead in the game only for Coventry to stage an epic comeback at Wembley which forced the game, first into extra-time and then to a penalty shootout.
Despite taking an early lead in the shootout, Coventry failed to convert the advantage and ended up losing 4-2. Antony, who came on in the game to replace Alejandro Garnacho in the 66th minute, failed to make an impact in the match. However, he did celebrate in the face of the Coventry players after the shootout, which was judged to be done in poor taste by Gabriel Agbonlahor.
The former Aston Villa forward took to social media and said (via the Coventry Telegraph):
"Antony cups his ears as he celebrates infront of Coventry players? Is this guy the most shameless flop ever to grace our beautiful league? Shame on you Antony you wouldn't even start for Coventry you prat *wink face emoji*."
Journalist Samuel Luckhurst doubled down on Antony's behaviour, saying on X (via Coventry Telegraph):
"Only thing more embarrassing than United’s performance after the 70th minute was Antony’s reaction to the shootout win when he cupped his ears at Coventry players. His social media post this morning referred to them as ‘Covertry’. He struggled to play at their level today."
Erik ten Hag reacts to Manchester United's win against Coventry City
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reacted to his team's nervy win against Coventry City, saying in the post-match press conference (via ESPN):
"Mixed feelings, it is clear. But it's an achievement to be twice in the FA Cup final in two years. When you are so in control, dominating the game, 3-0 up, we should win it."
He added:
"The way we didn't was not good, and from the 70 minutes to the end we made mistakes. On several occasions we let each other down. Today we got away with it."
Manchester United lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the 2022-23 FA Cup final. City have beaten United twice in the league this season - 3-0 and then 3-1. The Cityzens beat Chelsea 1-0 in the other semifinal of the FA Cup.
