Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has blamed Coventry City’s players for provoking winger Antony, who was seen cupping his ears and taunting the Championship side after the Red Devils’ penalty shootout win in the FA Cup semi-final.
Ten Hag defended Antony’s behavior, suggesting it was a reaction to Coventry’s provocations, but also acknowledged that the player should not have reacted.
“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?” Ten Hag said. “He was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it.”
The Dutchman also criticized the media’s reaction to the incident, describing it as a “disgrace.”
“You made enough and one the question, ‘Is it embarrassing? No, the reaction from you was embarrassing,” he fumed. “It is the comments. Top football is about results, we made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games.”
“We lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck, 3-2, 3-3. We were very lucky in the end, clear. Penalties was very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years- is magnificent. For me as a manager, four cup final in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
Ten Hag also shared some concerning injury news ahead of United’s return to Premier League action, saying that Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes were all doubts for the match against Sheffield United.
