Explained: Why Antony celebrated with Sonic the Hedgehog toy after scoring first Premier League goal for Man Utd in a YEAR

The Brazil international opened his Premier League goal account for 2023-24 against Burnley on Saturday, latching on to a loose ball from Sander Berge and firing into the bottom corner to put United ahead. Antony was understandably very animated when he scored - having last found the net in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on April 16, 2023 - and made sure to run towards the camera and display a Sonic the Hedgehog toy to the Old Trafford crowd, while also putting the ball under his shirt.

The 24-year-old revealed the celebration was a tribute to his young son, who loves the Sonic cartoons. Antony also wanted to show love for his unborn daughter and pregnant wife and did so by putting the ball under his shirt.

As per The United Stand, Antony said after the game: "Sonic is my son Lorenzo’s favourite cartoon. He loves. He is growing up and is incredible, a little partner in my life, he makes me happy every day. And we are also very excited for the arrival of our little Lavinne. A baby who is already very loved by everyone.

"God has been very good to our family. I’m happy to score a goal, I was looking for that, to be able to pay homage to them, as they give me motivation to continue my work in the best possible way with the United shirt, which I respect and love so much."

Man Utd could still mathematically finish as high as fifth in the Premier League but will have to pick up maximum points from their final four games to have any hope of overtaking Tottenham. Antony has not lived up to his hefty price tag so far but will be hoping to have an impact in the remaining weeks, starting with the trip to Crystal Palace next Monday.