"Back to Ajax in the summer" - Fans react as Antony celebrates with Sonic plushie after scoring for Manchester United in Burnley draw

Fans reacted on social media as Manchester United forward Antony celebrated his first goal of the 2023-24 Premier League season with a plushie of beloved animated character Sonic the Hedgehog.

The Brazilian had been goalless in 26 league appearances for the Red Devils before finding the back of the net against Burnley. His 79th minute strike, however, was cancelled out by a Zeki Amdouni penalty in the 87th minute as United only managed a point from the day's proceedings.

Fans were enraged by Antony's childish behaviour after breaking his goal drought for the entire season in late April. One fan said:

"He’s coming back to Ajax in the summer."

Another one added:

"This is shameful."

Here is a list of fan reactions (via X):

"After season don finish!" a fan said.

"Not the time my guy..." another fan advised.

"He waited 6 months to celebrate his goal," another fan added.

One fan chided Antony, saying, "Shameless lad! €100M scoring his first league goal after 34 league weeks."

"So Antony got one EPL goal more than me," a fan hilariously replied.

"As many sonic teddy bears as goals this season," another fan remarked.

"I'm convinced this guy has cold celebrations installed in him but unfortunately he scores twice a season," another fan commented.

"Bros doing the most just to fumble," another added.

Now that he has scored his first league goal, it will be interesting to see if Antony can rediscover his lost touch and become an important player for Manchester United.

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Manchester United winger Antony praises academy graduates' contribution to the first team

Manchester United winger Antony praised the club's academy graduates for their contributions to the first team recently.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Willy Kambwala have risen through the ranks and become important members of the first team this season.

In the Premier League giants' 4-2 win against Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley became the 250th academy graduate to make an appearance for the first team.

In an interview with United Review, Antony complimented the progress made by the club's exciting academy graduates. He said (via the official Manchester United website):

"It’s certainly been an excellent season for [Alejandro] Garnacho. He’s still a very young lad and full credit to him for his performances. Willy [Kambwala] is really hard-working, always training hard and I’m delighted with the game he had against Liverpool [2-2 draw in the EPL]. Kobbie has had a longer run of games. He’s a huge talent. I see so much talent there and I’m really happy for his performances."

Comparing the start of his own career to these wonderkids and noting how these youngsters have a great future ahead of them, Antony added:

“I’ve been in the position of these young players – although I’m still only 24, I was also playing at their age as well. With their talent, together with focus, a supportive family and looking after themselves, things will happen naturally for them.”